MicroVision, Inc. (NASDAQ:MVIS) has announced a multi-year strategic partnership agreement with German sensor-fusion developer LAKE FUSION Technologies. Under the arrangement, LAKE FUSION has committed to purchasing MicroVision’s IRIS long-range lidar sensors throughout 2027 and into 2028 for use in airborne situational-awareness systems.
#Agreement moves beyond testing
The partnership follows the companies’ June 2026 announcement on integrating and deploying IRIS lidar technology. The new framework covers development, certification, market introduction, supply and ongoing support for integrated lidar-based systems.
MicroVision Chief Executive Officer Glen DeVos described the agreement as a move from technology validation toward commercial commitments. He also said the arrangement extends the company’s lidar technology into airborne applications and provides a basis for further work in defence, safety and security.
#IRIS sensors to support helicopter awareness system
LAKE FUSION plans to integrate two MicroVision IRIS sensors into its Awareness Systems, known as AS-1. The sensors are mounted in the nose of a helicopter and operate with sensor-fusion software intended to give flight crews earlier notice of obstacles and other environmental hazards.
AS-1 is designed for day and night use. The applications identified by the companies include low-altitude operations, takeoffs and landings outside established airports, confined-area landings, search and rescue, hoisting and sling-load activities, and hovering or low-speed flight in complex environments.
The system is intended to identify hazards that can be difficult to see from a helicopter, including power lines and thin wires.
#Technology and product lifecycle
MicroVision’s IRIS lidar combines a 1550 nm Class 1 eye-safe laser with an InGaAs receiver. The company says the system is designed to detect small, dark and low-reflectance objects over long ranges. Its invisible laser operation is compatible with night-vision goggles, according to the announcement.
The agreement spans system architecture and prototyping, certification, commercialisation, sensor supply, fleet support and future product generations. LAKE FUSION Chief Executive Officer Christian Meyer said the framework is intended to take the system from development and certification through market introduction and long-term fleet support.
#Initial focus and potential applications
The initial work is focused on helicopters and civil airborne applications. The companies also intend to explore opportunities in ground-based defence, safety and security markets, as well as additional applications and future product generations.
Tim Schlegel, CEO and Managing Partner of LAKE FUSION Technologies LLC, said the partnership supports the company’s path to the North American market and its aim of providing helicopter crews with earlier warning of hazards across commercial and government missions.
#Company backgrounds
LAKE FUSION Technologies develops perception, situational-awareness and safety systems for aviation, defence, autonomous mobility and critical infrastructure. Its work combines lidar, sensor fusion, deterministic algorithms and safety-critical software.
MicroVision develops lidar-based perception systems for industrial, security and defence, and automotive markets. Its portfolio includes short- and long-range lidar solutions, solid-state sensors with varying wavelengths, sensor architectures and software solutions.
#Key Takeaways
- MicroVision and LAKE FUSION Technologies have entered a multi-year strategic partnership agreement.
- LAKE FUSION has committed to purchasing IRIS lidar sensors throughout 2027 and into 2028.
- The sensors will be integrated into LFT’s AS-1 system for civil and military helicopter operations.
- AS-1 uses two IRIS sensors with sensor-fusion software to identify hazards such as power lines and thin wires.
- The agreement covers development, certification, commercialisation, supply, fleet support and future product generations.
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