Meta Has Acquired the Optics Company Luxexcel
Meta has acquired Luxexcel, a Belgian-Dutch company specializing in the 3D printing of complex corrective lenses. This could be an important step in the tech giant’s road to building its first augmented reality hardware. Luxexcel also builds machines for its 3D printing lenses.
Luxexcel was founded in 2019 and has its headquarters in Turnhout, located close to Antwerp. Its complex lenses can be used in correcting visual acuity and encapsulating waveguides. The lens is an augmented reality display made from either glass or plastic and guides light from a project to the eye.
Luxexcel has been working with various well-known waveguide manufacturers such as WaveOptics and Lumus. There are also rumors that Meta partnered with Luxexcel for Project Aria.
Meta developed the Project Aria sensor glasses as a research project with the aim of determining the kind of data that AR headsets must collect from the environment to provide smart functions like AR navigation.
Meta’s acquisition of Luxexcel was reported by the Belgian newspaper De Tijd which also claims Meta paid a handsome sum for the acquisition. The deal was reportedly concluded weeks ago, in secret. The acquisition was subsequently confirmed by Meta. One of the largest shareholders in Luxeexcel is the Flemish government which will also gain from the company’s acquisition by Meta.
Luxexcel has been providing 3D printing of corrective lenses since 2015.
Meta is currently on the prowl for augmented reality technology. Various reports suggest that Meta is planning to launch its first augmented reality headset targeting the mass market in 2026.
The Belgian company could manufacture the corrective lenses required for this. Following its acquisition by Meta, procuring these lenses will likely be more cost-effective for Meta when produced in large quantities compared to getting these from third parties.
Meta has made numerous other acquisitions of startups building technology it wants with an aim of securing important AR-enabling tech early on that will allow it to pursue its AR hardware ambitions.
Meta’s and other major tech giants’ acquisitions and acqui-hiring of small innovative startups often draw sharp criticism from observers and regulators who see it as a monopolizing trend that stifles competition in the industry. Some argue that the acquisition and zoning off of fledgling technologies by these tech giants could hinder the long-term development of the augmented reality market.
https://virtualrealitytimes.com/2022/12/31/meta-has-acquired-the-optics-company-luxexcel/https://virtualrealitytimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Luxexcel-complex-lenses-600x329.pnghttps://virtualrealitytimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Luxexcel-complex-lenses-150x90.pngAcquistionsAdult Live ChatBusinessMeta has acquired Luxexcel, a Belgian-Dutch company specializing in the 3D printing of complex corrective lenses. This could be an important step in the tech giant’s road to building its first augmented reality hardware. Luxexcel also builds machines for its 3D printing lenses. Luxexcel was founded in 2019 and has...Rob GrantRob Grant[email protected]AuthorVirtual Reality Times - Metaverse & VR