Palmer Luckey is currently in a sunlit conference room in Washington, D.C., experimenting with a pair of advanced glasses reminiscent of those worn by fighter pilots or mechanics. These prototypes belong to EagleEye, Anduril Industries’ latest venture into wearable military technology. Luckey, who was instrumental in launching virtual reality through Oculus in his parents’ garage, has been progressing toward this innovative concept for several years. The EagleEye system consists of a family of devices rather than a single cumbersome helmet. Four models are under development, with two prepared for display at the upcoming AUSA event—one being ballistic glasses that can be attached to a standard helmet, and the other a full-face visor optimized for nighttime operations.
The glasses version is prioritized for military deployment due to its lightweight design; the processor and battery are integrated into the helmet’s sides, redistributing weight to reduce strain on the soldier’s neck. This design allows soldiers to easily swap out sensors, such as thermal imagers or hyperspectral cameras, to detect bomb residue without the burden of an unwieldy universal kit. The night-vision variant provides a sealed visor that protects against bullets and shrapnel, eliminating vulnerable spots like eye slits that could expose the wearer. The entire system has been engineered to maintain balance around the user’s center of gravity, ensuring that sensors remain stable even amid the chaos of combat. Production is set to increase, with approximately 100 units expected to reach Army testers by spring 2026. The cost will start at less than half that of the previous IVAS system, estimated between $25,000 and $40,000 per unit, with Luckey optimistic that consumer technology advancements will eventually lower that price to just a few thousand dollars.
Modular Design Enhances Functionality
EagleEye’s modular design allows for customization, enabling soldiers to adapt the system to their specific needs. For example, a tank driver can equip the device with robust screens for vehicle feeds, while an Osprey pilot can opt for a more compact version for quick cockpit checks. Maintenance crews in hangars can swap out armor for basic glasses that provide repair instructions or video feeds to experts on the ground. The lineup features common components, such as computing chips and basic vision sensors, which overlap in about 90% of the models. Luckey envisions a future where hundreds of companies will manufacture compatible versions that share data formats and power standards. Current collaborations include Oakley, which provides military-grade sunglasses, Ops-Core for helmet shells, and Meta, contributing advanced waveguide displays developed through significant research investments. Anduril’s Lattice software integrates all components, creating a communication network that allows for data exchange between drones, vehicles, and teams without relying on a central command. Live feeds from UAVs can be viewed in real time, assisting soldiers in identifying potential threats or locating missing comrades.
Additional rear and side sensors alert soldiers to blind spots, while AI analyzes data to detect enemy movements or buried IEDs. Hands remain free for operations as control is executed via voice commands, eye movements, or nods. Soldiers are trained to manage drone swarms or fire missiles without losing focus on their surroundings. This system has been developed in response to the Army’s Soldier Borne Mission Command initiative, for which Anduril received a $159 million prototype contract in September 2025, alongside the contract for the software framework. Rivet specializes in hardware, while Anduril has established dominance in the architectural design.
Addressing Comfort and Cybersickness
Comfort issues had plagued the previous IVAS system, as soldiers often experienced nausea due to discrepancies between visual input and physical balance. Luckey refers to this problem as “cybersickness,” a brain’s adverse reaction to conflicting sensory information. After successfully addressing this issue with Oculus, Luckey’s EagleEye also tackles latency, visual shifts, and alignment challenges to help prevent discomfort. Prototypes have successfully passed Army evaluations, with users reporting enhanced threat detection and fewer incidents of eye strain. The full helmet version not only shields against blasts and impacts but also ensures a secure fit for operations where precision is critical. Daytime setups utilize transparent visors for broader visibility, while nighttime versions combine digital overlays with low-light imagery. Core units are designed to weigh less than 1.5 pounds, and batteries can last up to 8 hours on a single charge.
