Laser projectors from Microvision and ST Collaboration to Boost the Smartphone Bound AR/VR

As per some reports from the MEMS Executive Congress, Microvision opined that the ever increasing demand for augmented and virtual reality may pave the way for the demand of MEMS projectors in the mass market. The company aims at entering into collaboration with STMicroelectronics so as to enter the mass original equipment manufacturing (OEM) market. The always-in-focus laser projector by Microvision can be conveniently fitted into any smartphone owing to its low cost and small size.

Smartphone bound VR/AR boosted by lasers

It is important to note that Microvision is a leader in innovative ultra-miniature laser beam scanning display and imaging technology. The entity has earned its popularity in the micro-lidar (3-D imaging system using invisible infrared beams) market. In fact, Sony and other OEMs have already been licensing the laser based projector which clearly shows how far this technology is going to flourish in future.

Discussing the advantageous features of the laser projector, it enables the navigation of smartphones, head-mounted displays and even the tiniest un-manned vehicle. Apart from this, the 0.65 cubic centimeter projector doesn’t need any lenses. It is always in focus and appears normal on all kinds of surfaces ranging from the rough to radically curved ones.

As per the claims of Mr. Jari Honaken from Microvision, the applications of this projector are not limited to the consumer electronics but also subject to various other uses. For example, the heads-up display can be projected on the windshields, images can be written directly onto the retina for AR, warehouse robots can navigate with more accuracy and industrial robots can see in 3-D at variable resolutions more efficiently.