Issue 2 2020

Acquisition International - Issue 2 2020 27 Nov19323 The previous decade saw humanity barely scratch the surface of brand new technology such as virtual reality and augmented reality. What once were distant fantasies are now being brought to life in the modern era thanks to the innovation and technical aptitude of Vuzix Corporation. Recognised in Acquisition International’s Global Excellence Awards as Europe’s Most Outstanding Wearable AR Technology Provider 2019, we profiled the firm to discover more about its latest tech. mart Glasses and augmented reality have long been a staple of conversation in technological advancement, harking back to a 1901 novel by Frank L Baum in which a set of electronic glasses mapped data onto other people. Of course, these kinds of glasses are no longer simply science-fiction. They are very much a reality, and Vuzix is at the forefront of enhancing and developing them with patented technology. A leading supplier of augmented reality tech in Smart Glasses, the firm are bringing products to market for enterprises and consumers to radically change everyday life. Founded in 1997, the firm began with an idea to create a wearable eyeglass product that could be used by military personnel in need of display solutions. Now primarily focused on pursuing the enterprise and consumer markets for wearable computing and personal AR display devices, Vuzix’s journey continues to change and adapt to user needs. Since the earliest designs of wearable tech, the firm’s product portfolio has expanded to include personal display and wearable computing devices, offering users quality viewing experiences, mobility solutions, displays, and augmented reality. The real world becomes significantly augmented with Vuzix’s wearable products, enabling users to view computer-generated information with just a few words. From movies and games, to digital instruction manuals and mapping capabilities, these impressive Smart Glasses effortlessly blend the real and the digital. Since 1997, the firm has remained focused and engaged in the design, manufacture, marketing and sale of wearable display devices that unleash the amazing potential of augmented reality for a myriad of uses. Now, more than twenty years on, Vuzix has released its latest product, the Vuzix Blade AR Smart Glasses, the world’s most advanced, handsfree, wearable display device available on the market. Created with the firm’s patented Wave-Guide technology, these glasses represent true technological innovation. These glasses are worn like any other pair of eyeglasses, but come with so much more. Featuring built-in video screens, touchpads, micro-SD storage, USB connectivity capabilities, an 8 megapixel camera, and Android operating software, users can view and interact with digital content like never before. Users in commercial and enterprise companies can also make full use of the firm’s Smart Glasses. Vuzix specialises in working with organisations that operate within field service, warehouse logistics, tele-medicine, and manufacturing industries, but all have one thing in common: a desire to maximise the working potential of their staff through innovative display devices. Warehouse operatives can S Company: Vuzix Corporation Contact: Sarah Bedwell Website: www.vuzix.eu Envisioning an Augmented Future audibly ask for directions to a certain space, either where an item is stored or where it will be stored, and the glasses will map the route out before their very eyes. It has never been easier for industries to equip workers with the latest innovations that will radically change the dynamism of the workplace. Vuzix’s remarkable achievements in innovation have not gone unnoticed either, as the firm has won several awards from the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) between 2005 and 2018. Technology continues to advance at an ever-increasing rate, and transforming that innovation into usable and wearable Smart Glasses that improve daily life is a true testament to the success of Vuzix, and its team. With an intellectual property portfolio of 66 existing patents, and a further 43 pending, the future remains brighter than ever for the team as they continue to push the boundaries of augmented reality in wearable devices. What was once a wonder and marvel of science-fiction has now become one of the most exciting and innovative pieces of technology in the world today. Capable of far more than Frank L Baum could ever imagine, Vuzix’s Smart Glasses offer users the chance to engage with the digital world in ground-breakinga and exciting new ways.