EssilorLuxottica and Applied Materials announced a long-term joint development agreement focused on accelerating the commercialization of next-generation intelligent optical systems for augmented reality and AI-powered smart eyewear.
The collaboration combines EssilorLuxottica’s expertise in lenses, frames, and smart eyewear with Applied Materials’ capabilities in materials engineering and waveguide technologies. The companies plan to work together on scalable optical platforms designed to support lightweight and high-performance visual experiences for next-generation computing.
The partnership will focus on research and development of advanced optical technologies, including waveguides, adaptive lens systems, and materials innovations. These technologies are expected to help enable future intelligent lenses and augmented reality experiences.
Waveguides are a key component in augmented reality devices because they provide the optical layer that allows projected images to be coupled into, guided through, and emitted from a transparent lens while maintaining visibility of the real world.
The companies also highlighted light-adaptive and electro-active lenses, which can dynamically adjust tint to support vision and well-being benefits across different lighting conditions. Advanced lens encapsulation technologies can also help preserve the optical performance of AR display systems.
EssilorLuxottica and Applied Materials said the goal of the collaboration is to combine complementary expertise and intellectual property to shorten the path from breakthrough innovation to manufacturable and scalable optical solutions.
The joint research initiatives will be conducted at a dedicated collaboration lab located on Applied Materials’ Silicon Valley campus.
The companies also plan to jointly explore additional strategic opportunities to further develop and commercialize technologies created through the collaboration.
KEY QUOTES:
“We believe the convergence of advanced optics, AI and wearable technologies will unlock a new generation of experiences for consumers. For decades, EssilorLuxottica has advanced breakthrough innovations in lenses and visual performance, helping redefine how people experience the world around them. Together with Applied Materials, we look forward to exploring intelligent optical technologies that can help shape the future of smart glasses and next-generation visual computing, creating a new global force for the expansion of the display wearables category.”
Francesco Milleri, Chairman and CEO of EssilorLuxottica
“Designing, building and scaling next-generation smart glasses will require deep collaboration across the technology ecosystem. By bringing together Applied Materials’ leadership in photonics and materials engineering with EssilorLuxottica’s expertise in lenses and smart eyewear, we are accelerating the development and commercialization of advanced display smart glasses that can create entirely new user experiences.”
Gary Dickerson, President and CEO of Applied Materials
