Vuzix and Avegant Join Forces on Next-Generation Smart Glasses Display Technology

The AR industry is witnessing a significant collaboration as Vuzix Corporation (NASDAQ: VUZI) and Avegant have united to co-develop cutting-edge optical display modules designed for the emerging wave of AI-powered smart glasses. This partnership brings together Vuzix’s waveguide expertise with Avegant’s compact light engine technology, creating what both companies describe as a reference design ready for mass production.

The Technical Integration

At the core of this collaboration lies a refined approach to AR display architecture. Avegant’s AG-30L2 LCoS light engine—notably the industry’s most compact full-color solution—will be integrated with Vuzix’s proprietary next-generation waveguide technology. The resulting optical module aims to deliver a complete, efficient, and manufacturable display solution that maintains full-color performance while keeping weight to a minimum.

Vuzix is providing extensive customization capabilities for interested manufacturers. Beyond the base design, OEMs can tailor waveguide specifications including external geometry, optical angles, light input and output positioning, virtual image depth, and focal characteristics. This flexibility positions the solution as an adaptable platform rather than a fixed specification.

From Prototype to Market

The partnership’s first tangible results will be revealed this week at Augmented World Expo USA 2024 (AWE), taking place June 18-20 in Long Beach, California. Private demonstrations of the prototype units will give industry stakeholders an early look at the optical performance capabilities and form factor possibilities.

The timeline extends forward to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 in Las Vegas, where both companies plan to present a production-ready version incorporating Vuzix’s integrated vision correction technology. This refined iteration will represent a commercially viable reference design combining the most sophisticated optical innovations from both development partners.

Industry Perspective

Paul Travers, President and CEO at Vuzix, characterized the partnership as a natural convergence of complementary strengths: “Avegant’s compact full-color light engine aligns seamlessly with our waveguide capabilities. This collaboration targets a real market need—creating consumer smart glasses that deliver both technical sophistication and practical wearability.”

The focus on consumer-grade AR devices reflects broader industry momentum toward mainstream smart glasses adoption. By combining Avegant’s display engine expertise with Vuzix’s established waveguide platform and 375+ patent portfolio, the partnership addresses key technical challenges around optical efficiency, color fidelity, and manufacturing scalability.

About the Companies

Vuzix stands as a prominent developer of smart glasses and AR technology serving enterprise, medical, defense, and consumer segments. Beyond finished products, the company supplies OEM waveguide components and display engines. Founded in 1997 and publicly traded on NASDAQ, Vuzix operates facilities across Rochester (NY), Munich, Kyoto, and Tokyo, with consistent recognition at CES for innovation since 2005.

Avegant represents a venture-backed technology firm focused on advanced display systems for augmented reality applications. The company combines expertise in human vision science, optical engineering, and consumer electronics manufacturing. Its product portfolio has evolved from early head-mounted displays through lightfield and foveated technologies to the current AG-30L2 LCoS light engine platform.