Integrated lidar and modular drone platforms allow scalable autonomy, mapping, and navigation in complex real-world environments
MicroVision, Inc. (Nasdaq:MVIS), a leader in advanced perception solutions, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Avular Innovations B.V. to integrate their technologies and accelerate the development of next-generation autonomous systems for civil infrastructure and global commercial applications. By combining MicroVision's high-performance solid-state lidar, optimized to reduce energy consumption and increase operational efficiency, with Avular's modular drone platforms and systems integration expertise, the companies are creating a flexible and scalable solution designed to address real-world operational challenges in global markets.
The collaboration focuses on offering advanced capabilities, including autonomous mission execution in GPS-denied environments, high-fidelity 3D modeling and terrain mapping, collision avoidance in dense and complex environments, and safe takeoff and landing in unknown locations. Together, the companies aim to accelerate the deployment of advanced autonomous drone technologies in the United States and Europe, addressing a variety of high-impact commercial applications related to civil infrastructure and public safety, such as virtual infrastructure, traffic management, first responders, and facility security.
"This collaboration reflects the growing demand for intelligent perception systems that can operate in complex real-world environments," said Glen DeVos, CEO of MicroVision. "By combining our perception technology with Avular's advanced drone platforms, we are enabling new levels of situational awareness, autonomy, and operational performance for stakeholders."
Joint Demonstration Program to Showcase Operational Impact
As a first step, MicroVision and Avular will launch a joint capability demonstration program integrating MicroVision’s lidar and perception software with an Avular drone platform. The demonstrations are designed to validate performance in realistic operational environments, while generating program funding opportunities and broader deployment into Western markets.
Beyond the initial demonstrations, the companies will jointly seek business development opportunities in numerous markets. MicroVision will lead efforts in the United States, leveraging its network and market expertise, while Avular will lead European initiatives, supported by MicroVision's technical capabilities. The collaboration also includes the exploration of joint commercial opportunities, including the potential introduction of their combined solution into the U.S. market, backed by MicroVision's regulatory and market access expertise.
Accelerating innovation through complementary strengths
Under the agreement:
- Avular will lead the design of the drone system, the flight stack including autonomous navigation capabilities, and integration.
- MicroVision will provide the lidar hardware, perception software, and autonomous mapping capabilities.
- A joint steering committee will guide strategy, execution, and stakeholder engagement.
Positioned for the future of autonomous systems
As the demand for sensing and autonomous navigation technologies accelerates, this collaboration positions both companies to deliver scalable, production-ready solutions that meet evolving operational requirements.
"This agreement is about moving beyond standalone technologies towards integrated and deployable systems," said Albert Maas, CEO of Avular. "MicroVision brings a level of precision, performance, and perception technology maturity that is critical for real-world deployment. By combining their industry-leading lidar and software capabilities with our advanced drone platforms, we are building highly adaptable solutions that can operate in dynamic environments and truly support the next generation of autonomous operations."
About MicroVision
MicroVision is defining the next generation of lidar-based perception solutions for the automotive, industrial, and security and defense markets. As the industry moves beyond proof of concept towards value, deployment, and commercialization, MicroVision offers integrated hardware and software solutions designed for real-world performance, automotive-grade reliability, and economic scalability. With engineering centers in the United States and Germany, MicroVision leads the industry in the breadth and depth of its portfolio, with short- and long-range lidar solutions, including solid-state sensors with different wavelengths, advanced sensor architectures, cost-oriented engineering, and open software solutions.
For more information, visit the company's website at www.microvision.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/microvisioninc, and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/microvision/.
About Avular
Avular specializes in advanced drone and mobile robot platforms, supporting applications in industrial and commercial markets. As industries face growing challenges such as labor shortages, safety risks, and the need for consistent operations, Avular's robotic solutions address these issues and help keep society running.
For more information, visit the company's website at https://www.avular.com/, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/avular/, and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/avularrobotics/.