History
Paul Travers founded Vuzix in 1997 in Rochester, NY, under the name Interactive Imaging Systems, purchasing the assets of the virtual reality company Forte Technologies. The company started with products for the military and U.S. Defense, but then developed consumer virtual reality systems. In 1997, the company was hired as a subcontractor to Raytheon, designing display electronics for a digital night vision weapon sight.
In 2000, the VFX1 Headgear was featured in a commemorative US Postal Service stamp collection celebrating the 1990s.[10] The VFX1 was replaced by a higher resolution system dubbed the VFX3D in mid 2000.[11]
In 2001, Vuzix launched its first consumer electronics product, the iCOM personal internet browser.[12]
In 2005, Vuzix provided a custom high resolution handheld display system that created the 3D imagery for Hitachi's pavilion at the 2005 World's Fair in Aichi, Japan. The Hitachi Pavilion allowed users to interact with computer generated models and dioramas of endangered species in a Mixed Reality ride.[13]
In 2005, the company changed its name to Icuiti. Later that year, Icuiti launched its first product designed specifically for consumers, the V920 Video Eyewear.[14]
In 2005, Icuiti was awarded its first military R&D contract to develop a high resolution monocular display device for viewing tactical maps and video. This development would lead to the Tac-Eye product line, which began rate production in 2009 and was used in many major military programs including the Battlefield Air Operations kit.[15]
A re-branding in 2007 changed the company's name from Icuiti to Vuzix.[16]
In 2010, Vuzix introduced the first production model see-through augmented reality glasses, the STAR 1200.[17] It was released in August 2011 for $4999.[18]
Vuzix was under contract with DARPA to design and build a next generation heads up display for military ground personnel.[19]
In January 2013, at CES, Vuzix Corporation demonstrated working models of its new M100 Smart Glasses. The product was given a CES Innovations award.[20] The Vuzix Smart Glasses M100, shipped in the first financial quarter of 2013,[21] enabled wearers to remotely access data and content from an iOS or Android smartphone.
In January 2015, Intel invested $25 million in the company, gaining 30% ownership of the company.[22]
In August 2017, Vuzix and BlackBerry became partners to deliver smart glasses for the enterprise.[23][24]
