Palmer Luckey Returns to VR Roots with Anduril's Groundbreaking EagleEye MR Helmet

Anduril's EagleEye MR Helmet Marks Palmer Luckey's Return to VR Roots In a significant move, Anduril Industries unveiled its EagleEye helmeted computing system on Monday, marking the return of Palmer Luckey, co-founder and CEO, to his virtual reality (VR) roots. The launch comes as the U.S. Army seeks to expand its pool of mixed-reality gear suppliers. EagleEye is a modular family of systems built atop Anduril's Lattice software that integrates command-and-control tools, sensor feeds, and AI directly into a soldier's field of vision. According to Anduril, the system can integrate live video feeds, feature rear- and side-sensors to alert operators to threats, and track teammates in real-time. "We're excited to bring our expertise in VR and AI to the defense sector," said Luckey in an interview with TechCrunch. "EagleEye is a game-changer for soldiers on the battlefield, providing them with critical information and enhancing their situational awareness." The launch of EagleEye is notable given Anduril's recent win of a $159 million contract from the U.S. Army to prototype mixed-reality gear. The company has been awarded control of the contract previously held by Microsoft's Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS), which had faced issues and delays. Anduril describes EagleEye as a family of systems that can be tailored to meet specific military needs. Variations include a helmet, visor, and glasses, allowing soldiers to choose the best option for their mission requirements. The development of EagleEye reflects the growing importance of mixed-reality technology in the defense sector. As the U.S. Army looks to expand its pool of suppliers, Anduril's entry into this space is seen as a significant move. "EagleEye represents a major step forward in the integration of VR and AI in military applications," said Dr. Michael Barrett, a leading expert on mixed-reality technology at the University of California, Berkeley. "Anduril's expertise in these areas makes them an attractive partner for the U.S. Army." As Anduril continues to develop and refine EagleEye, the company is poised to play a major role in shaping the future of mixed-reality gear for the military. Background: Palmer Luckey co-founded Oculus VR in 2012, which was later acquired by Meta (then Facebook) in 2014. After leaving Meta, Luckey went on to found Anduril Industries in 2017, focusing on defense and security applications of VR and AI technology. Current Status: Anduril's EagleEye MR helmet is currently being tested by the U.S. Army, with plans for wider deployment pending successful results. Next Developments: As Anduril continues to develop and refine EagleEye, the company is expected to announce further updates and milestones in the coming months. *Reporting by Techcrunch.*