Vuzix Shield
| Vuzix Shield | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Augmented Reality |
| Type | Smart Glasses |
| Subtype | Enterprise AR |
| Platform | Android 11 |
| Creator | Vuzix |
| Developer | Vuzix |
| Manufacturer | Vuzix |
| Announcement Date | January 2022 (CES) |
| Release Date | 2022 |
| Price | ~$2,500 |
| Website | https://www.vuzix.com/ |
| Versions | Vuzix Shield |
| Requires | None (standalone) |
| Predecessor | Vuzix Blade |
| Successor | None announced |
| System | |
| Operating System | Android 11 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR1 |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR1 (octa-core 2.52GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno integrated |
| Storage | |
| Storage | 64GB |
| Memory | 6GB RAM |
| SD Card Slot | No |
| Display | |
| Display | Binocular micro-LED (monochrome green) |
| Subpixel Layout | N/A (monochrome) |
| Peak Brightness | Not specified |
| Resolution | 640 × 480 per eye (binocular) |
| Pixel Density | N/A |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| Persistence | N/A |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 28° |
| Horizontal FoV | ~28° |
| Vertical FoV | ~21° |
| Average Pixel Density | N/A |
| Peak Pixel Density | N/A |
| Foveated Rendering | No |
| Optics | |
| Optics | Binocular waveguide |
| Ocularity | Binocular (stereoscopic) |
| IPD Range | Fixed |
| Adjustable Diopter | No (prescription ready) |
| Passthrough | Native see-through (AR glasses) |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 3DoF (IMU) |
| Tracking Frequency | N/A |
| Base Stations | None |
| Eye Tracking | No |
| Face Tracking | No |
| Hand Tracking | No |
| Body Tracking | No |
| Rotational Tracking | Yes |
| Positional Tracking | No |
| Update Rate | 60Hz |
| Tracking Volume | N/A |
| Play Space | Assisted reality |
| Latency | <100ms |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Integrated speakers |
| Microphone | Yes (multiple noise-canceling) |
| 3.5mm Audio Jack | No |
| Camera | Dual 13MP autofocus cameras (4K @ 30fps video) |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, USB-C |
| Ports | USB-C |
| Wired Video | No |
| Wireless Video | Yes (streaming) |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Power | Internal battery |
| Battery Capacity | Not specified |
| Battery Life | 2-3 hours (typical use) |
| Charge Time | ~2 hours |
| Device | |
| Dimensions | Safety glasses form factor |
| Weight | ~150g (estimated) |
| Material | 3D-printed titanium, polycarbonate |
| Headstrap | None (glasses temples) |
| Haptics | No |
| Color | Black |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer |
| Input | Touch controls (capacitive touchpad), voice commands |
| Compliance | ANSI Z87.1 (safety rated), FCC, CE |
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The Vuzix Shield is a standalone enterprise-focused smart glasses device developed by Vuzix, announced at CES in January 2022 and released in 2022 at a price of approximately $2,500. As Vuzix's first binocular waveguide smart glasses with stereoscopic micro-LED displays, the Shield represents a significant advancement in the company's enterprise AR lineup, featuring world-first miniature stereo micro-LED projectors that create a 28° binocular field of view with depth perception. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR1 processor with 6GB RAM and 64GB storage, running Android 11, the Shield delivers dual 13MP autofocus cameras capable of 4K video recording, ANSI Z87.1 safety certification for industrial environments, and a distinctive 3D-printed titanium frame for exceptional durability while maintaining a lightweight, stylish form factor. Targeting frontline workers in manufacturing, logistics, field service, and healthcare, the Shield prioritizes binocular viewing for improved depth perception and reduced eye strain during extended enterprise use.
History and Development
Vuzix Heritage
Company background:
- Founded 1997
- Smart glasses pioneer
- Enterprise AR focus
- Display technology expertise
Waveguide Development
Technology evolution:
- Blade series experience
- Binocular waveguide innovation
- Micro-LED advancement
- Stereo display capability
CES 2022 Announcement
Product reveal:
- First binocular Vuzix
- Micro-LED stereo displays
- Titanium construction
- Enterprise positioning
2022 Launch
Commercial release:
- ~$2,500 price
- Enterprise channel
- Global availability
- Partner ecosystem
Design Philosophy
Binocular Stereo Display
Depth perception:
- Both-eye viewing
- Stereoscopic images
- Reduced eye strain
- Depth-aware content
Safety Glasses Form Factor
Industrial design:
- ANSI Z87.1 certified
- Workplace appropriate
- Prescription ready
- Safety protection
Titanium Construction
Premium materials:
- 3D-printed titanium
- Exceptional durability
- Lightweight strength
- Industrial grade
Micro-LED Innovation
Display technology:
- World-first miniature stereo
- High efficiency
- Compact projectors
- Bright output
Display Technology
Binocular Micro-LED
Stereo display:
- Resolution: 640 × 480 per eye
- Type: Micro-LED
- Color: Monochrome green
- Mode: Stereoscopic
Waveguide Optics
Ultra-slim design:
- Binocular waveguides
- See-through display
- Compact integration
- Professional appearance
Stereo Viewing
Depth advantage:
- Binocular vision
- Depth perception
- Reduced fatigue
- Natural viewing
Monochrome Green
Display choice:
- High efficiency
- Bright visibility
- Industrial adequate
- Power efficient
Field of View
28° FOV
Information display:
- Binocular viewing
- Document display
- Data overlay
- Professional adequate
Processing
Snapdragon XR1
XR-optimized processor:
- Speed: Octa-core 2.52GHz
- Platform: Qualcomm XR1
- RAM: 6GB
- Storage: 64GB
Performance
Enterprise capable:
- Android 11 applications
- Video streaming
- AR applications
- Voice processing
Camera System
Dual 13MP Cameras
High-resolution capture:
- Resolution: 13 megapixels per camera
- Autofocus: Yes
- Video: 4K @ 30fps
- Dual camera capability
Camera Applications
Use cases:
- Remote expert assistance
- Documentation capture
- Barcode scanning
- Visual inspection
Stereo Camera
Depth capability:
- Dual camera arrangement
- 3D capture potential
- Depth sensing
- AR applications
Audio System
Integrated Speakers
Built-in audio:
- Temple speakers
- Notification sounds
- Voice feedback
- Communication
Noise-Canceling Microphones
Voice capture:
- Multiple microphones
- Noise reduction
- Voice commands
- Communication calls
Input Methods
Capacitive Touchpad
Touch controls:
- Side-mounted touchpad
- Swipe gestures
- Tap actions
- Glove compatible
Voice Control
Hands-free operation:
- Voice commands
- Voice navigation
- Dictation
- Accessibility
Safety Certification
ANSI Z87.1
Industrial standard:
- Impact resistant
- Eye protection
- Industrial approved
- Safety compliant
Industrial Ready
Workplace deployment:
- Manufacturing floors
- Warehouse operations
- Field service
- Construction sites
Physical Design
Safety Glasses Style
Professional form factor:
- Normal glasses appearance
- Workplace appropriate
- Prescription ready
- Stylish design
3D-Printed Titanium
Advanced materials:
- Exceptional durability
- Lightweight strength
- Premium construction
- Industrial grade
Build Quality
Enterprise construction:
- Durable design
- Quality finish
- Reliable operation
- Long service life
Connectivity
Wi-Fi 6
Latest wireless:
- 802.11ax
- High bandwidth
- Low latency
- Enterprise networks
Bluetooth 5.2
Accessory support:
- Modern standard
- Extended range
- Audio devices
- Accessories
USB-C
Modern connectivity:
- Charging
- Data transfer
- Accessory support
- Standard port
Battery
Internal Battery
Integrated power:
- 2-3 hours typical use
- ~2 hours charge time
- USB-C charging
- Workday capable
Software Platform
Android 11
Modern OS:
- Full Android
- App ecosystem
- Enterprise features
- Regular updates
Vuzix Software
First-party tools:
- Vuzix App Store
- Device management
- Remote support
- Analytics
Enterprise Partners
Software ecosystem:
- Microsoft Teams
- Zoom
- TeamViewer
- Custom enterprise apps
Enterprise Applications
Remote Expert
Video collaboration:
- Live video streaming
- Expert guidance
- Stereo viewing
- Real-time support
Manufacturing
Production support:
- Assembly guidance
- Quality inspection
- Work instructions
- Hands-free reference
Field Service
Technician support:
- Repair guidance
- Documentation access
- Remote assistance
- Procedure display
Logistics
Warehouse operations:
- Order picking
- Inventory management
- Barcode scanning
- Workflow guidance
Comparison with Vuzix Blade 2
| Feature | Vuzix Shield | Vuzix Blade 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$2,500 | $1,299 |
| Display Type | Binocular micro-LED | Monocular waveguide |
| Display Color | Monochrome green | Full color |
| Resolution | 640×480 per eye | 480×480 |
| FOV | 28° | 20° |
| Camera | Dual 13MP | Single 8MP |
| RAM | 6GB | 4GB |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
Strengths and Limitations
Strengths
- First binocular stereo micro-LED waveguide
- ANSI Z87.1 safety certified
- 3D-printed titanium construction
- Dual 13MP cameras (4K video)
- 6GB RAM / 64GB storage
- Reduced eye strain (binocular)
- Glove-compatible touchpad
Limitations
- Expensive (~$2,500)
- Monochrome green display
- Lower resolution per eye
- No full-color display
- Limited FOV (28°)
- Enterprise-only focus
- No positional tracking
Technical Specifications Summary
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | Binocular micro-LED waveguide |
| Resolution | 640 × 480 per eye |
| Display Color | Monochrome green |
| FOV | 28° (binocular) |
| Processor | Snapdragon XR1 (8-core 2.52GHz) |
| Memory | 6GB RAM, 64GB storage |
| Camera | Dual 13MP (4K video) |
| Safety | ANSI Z87.1 |
| Material | 3D-printed titanium |
| Price | ~$2,500 |