The Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) program was developed by Microsoft since 2021 to provide mixed reality (MR) headsets for use by the US infantry. This project was problematic before it was later taken over by Anduril and Meta after Microsoft withdrew from the development of the headset
IVAS failed in the field and now the new Soldier-Borne Mission Command (SBMC) program has been announced by the US military. Under this program, new contracts have been awarded to Meta and Anduril as well as Rivet. Meta and Anduril will work together to develop SBMC, which is believed to be the EagleEye headset that has been shown before.
Rivet, which received a funding injection from Palantir, is believed to continue development of Hard Spec, which is an MR goggles that can be worn like regular goggles. At first glance, Hard Spec looks like a pair of Meta Hypernova but with a more durable design. Hard Spec is equipped with several cameras and sensors with a display projected onto the surface of the glasses using waveguide technology.
In total, Meat and Anduril received $159 million in funding and Rivet received $195 million to build SBMC prototypes for field testing.