Kopin Partners with Wilcox Industries for Modular Dismounted Soldier System

Rhea-AI Summary

Kopin (NASDAQ: KOPN) has partnered with Wilcox Industries to develop the FUSION CLAW™ head borne information system. This cutting-edge modular technology platform integrates night vision, communications, IFF, AI-informed power prioritization, multi-spectral forward illumination, mission recording, and Day/Night Heads-Up Display (HUD) into a lightweight package.

Kopin's role involves developing look-through mixed reality accessories, enhancing warfighter situational awareness with advanced Day and Night HUDs. The system works with legacy fielded systems and addresses the growing demand for sophisticated Visual Augmentation Solutions (VAS). With over 70,000 systems fielded and 100 commercial licensees integrating with ATAK, this partnership aims to revolutionize battlefield technology and create significant revenue potential.

Positive

• Partnership with Wilcox Industries for advanced FUSION CLAW™ system
• Development of state-of-the-art Day and Night Heads-Up Display (HUD) technology
• Potential for significant revenue growth with over 70,000 systems already fielded
• Expansion of customer base with a renowned partner like Wilcox Industries

Negative

• None.

Insights

Defense Technology Analyst

The partnership between Kopin Corporation and Wilcox Industries represents a significant development in the defense sector, particularly in visual augmentation systems (VAS) and integrated wearable technology for soldiers. This collaboration leverages Kopin's expertise in micro-displays and optical solutions with Wilcox's experience in mounting solutions and electro-optics, aimed at enhancing soldier situational awareness and operational efficiency.

From a technological perspective, the integration of AI-powered power prioritization and multi-spectral forward illumination into a single HUD system is noteworthy. These capabilities suggest a considerable improvement in information accessibility and battlefield management, as soldiers can now receive real-time, context-specific data without having to divert their attention.

Moreover, the modularity and scalability of the FUSION CLAW system align well with current military trends favoring adaptable and customizable equipment. By ensuring compatibility with legacy systems and the widely used Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK), the partnership caters to existing infrastructure while paving the way for future innovations.

Considering the defense sector's rigorous demands and the increasing need for advanced VAS, this collaboration can potentially lead to significant revenue streams and strategic market positioning for both companies.

Market Research Analyst

The collaboration between Kopin and Wilcox Industries appears to be a strategic move with substantial market implications. With over 70,000 systems already fielded and 100 commercial licensees utilizing the ATAK system, the FUSION CLAW has a ready market that could drive rapid adoption and deployment.

Kopin's role in developing power-efficient, high-performance micro-displays is important in differentiating their product in a competitive market. The focus on power efficiency is particularly relevant given the operational constraints in the field, where battery life and weight are critical factors.

This partnership also positions both companies to capitalize on the growing demand for advanced defense technology. With global defense budgets rising and an increasing emphasis on modernizing infantry equipment, the market for these integrated solutions is expanding.

In the long term, the success of this collaboration hinges on the effective execution of their joint development and production plans. For retail investors, the performance of this partnership could serve as a strong indicator of Kopin's strategic direction and market competitiveness.

Provides Integrated Day and Night Heads up Display Optical Solutions

WESTBOROUGH, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Kopin Corporation (NASDAQ: KOPN), a trailblazer in application-specific optical solutions and high-performance micro-displays for defense, enterprise, consumer, and medical products, is thrilled to announce its collaboration with Wilcox Industries on the cutting-edge FUSION CLAW™ head borne information system.

The FUSION CLAW is set to revolutionize the battlefield with its advanced modular technology platform, seamlessly integrating night vision, communications equipment, Identification Friend-Foe (IFF), AI-informed power prioritization, multi-spectral forward illumination, mission recording, and Day/Night Heads-Up Display (HUD) into a single, lightweight package. The system’s design ethos—modularity, scalability, adaptability, and power management—ensures that operators can remain laser-focused on their missions. Kopin’s pivotal role involves the development and production of look-through mixed reality accessories, which we believe significantly enhance warfighter situational awareness with state-of-the-art Day and Night HUDs.

These new accessories will work with legacy fielded systems and as the demand for sophisticated Day and Night Visual Augmentation Solutions (VAS) skyrockets with over 70,000 systems already fielded and 100 commercial licensees integrating with the Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK)⁽¹⁾ , the FUSION CLAW system stands at the forefront of technological innovation. Warfighters can now access a wide array of information directly through a seamless heads-up display, eliminating the need for the user to look down at a chest-mounted End User Device (EUD).

“ATAK system users and future AR initiatives need the capability to view critical information in all ambient lighting conditions, from intense daylight to total darkness,” said Nic Peterson, Kopin’s Director of Business Development for Warfighter Vision. “We believe our power-efficient, high-performance microdisplays combined with innovative near-eye optics enable Kopin’s HUD products (designed and built in USA) to meet the complete operational needs of the warfighter and augments their current ATAK system, today. We are delighted to expand our customer base with esteemed partners like Wilcox, renowned for their outstanding contributions to the armed services.”

We believe with the FUSION CLAW system, Kopin and Wilcox Industries are poised to deliver unmatched situational awareness and mission success, ushering in a new era of battlefield innovation and significant revenue potential. James Teetzel, CEO of Wilcox Industries, stated, “The teaming of Kopin & Wilcox presents a unique partnership that is well poised to meet the development and production demands of the customer. The proliferation of this requirement for a headborne modular technology platform, with integrated VAS components, has amplified the necessity for such a business partnership, and we could not be more excited.” For this partnership, Wilcox brings a myriad of technical expertise related to the development of headborne mounting solutions and electro-optics, in addition to years of experience facilitating urgent and unique contract requirements for the US DoD and broader international defense market. As an industry leader in this space, Kopin brings vast industry knowledge and experience with micro-displays and optical solutions. Together, we believe the Wilcox & Kopin team will not only be able to meet customer requirements but will also facilitate increased technological development. James Teetzel further stated, “Wilcox has always listened to our customers, as it is their collective guidance that has allowed Wilcox to design, develop, and offer industry leading technology for over 40 years. The forming of this partnership is no different, as Wilcox looks to work jointly with Kopin in providing the best-in-class solutions in line with specific end-user requirements. We are honored and privileged to work closely with Kopin to jointly develop, produce, and provide meaningful equipment in support of the Modular Dismount Solider System requirements.”

(1) Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) – Air Force Research Laboratory (afresearchlab.com)

About Kopin

Kopin Corporation is a leading developer and provider of innovative display and optical technologies sold as critical components and subassemblies for defense, industrial and consumer products. Kopin's technology portfolio includes ultra-small Active-Matrix Liquid Crystal displays (AMLCD), Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCOS) displays and Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) displays, a variety of optics, and low-power ASICs. For more information, please visit Kopin's website at www.kopin.com.

About Wilcox

With over 40 years of experience, Wilcox Industries designs, develops, and manufactures complex mounting and electro-optical solutions to fit the needs of even the most urgent and demanding Government and Department of Defense customer requirements. Our state-of-the-art headquarters and production facility in Newington, New Hampshire allows for single facility, vertically integrated approaches that not only increase efficiency, but also meet the intense security requirements necessary to support Government and Department of Defense contracts. For more information, please visit Wilcox’s website at www.wilcoxind.com

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release may be considered “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), which are subject to the safe harbor created by such sections. Words such as “expects,” “believes,” “can,” “will,” “estimates,” and variations of such words and similar expressions, and the negatives thereof, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such “forward-looking statements,” which speak only as of the date made, and advise readers that these forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties, estimates, and assumptions by us that are difficult to predict. These forward-looking statements may include statements with respect to our belief Kopin’s development and production of look-through mixed reality accessories significantly enhance warfighter situational awareness with state-of-the-art Day and Night HUDs; our belief that our power-efficient, high-performance microdisplays combined with innovative near-eye optics enable Kopin’s HUD products (designed and built in USA) to meet the complete operational needs of the warfighter and augments their current ATAK system; our belief with the FUSION CLAW system, Kopin and Wilcox Industries are poised to deliver unmatched situational awareness and mission success, ushering in a new era of battlefield innovation and significant revenue potential; and our belief that the Wilcox & Kopin team will not only be able to meet customer requirements but will also facilitate increased technological development; and statements related to a relationship with Wilcox. Various factors, some of which are beyond our control, could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, and whether made by us or on our behalf, are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements and any other cautionary statements that may accompany the forward-looking statements. In addition, we disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release, except as may otherwise be required by the federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements are only predictions, subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially from those discussed. Important factors that could affect performance and cause results to differ materially from management’s expectations are described in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors; Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations; and other parts of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023, or as updated from time to time our Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240715815722/en/

Kopin Corporation

Bill Maffucci, 508-870-5959

SVP of Business Development and Strategy,

bmaffucci@kopin.com

Richard Sneider, 508-870-5959

Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

Richard_Sneider@kopin.com

or

MZ Contact:

Brian M. Prenoveau, CFA, 561 489 5315

MZ Group – MZ North America

KOPIN@mzgroup.us

Source: Kopin Corporation

FAQ

What is the FUSION CLAW™ system developed by Kopin and Wilcox Industries?

The FUSION CLAW™ is an advanced modular technology platform that integrates night vision, communications, IFF, AI-informed power prioritization, multi-spectral forward illumination, mission recording, and Day/Night Heads-Up Display (HUD) into a single, lightweight package for enhanced soldier performance.

How does Kopin's technology contribute to the FUSION CLAW™ system?

Kopin develops look-through mixed reality accessories, including state-of-the-art Day and Night Heads-Up Displays (HUDs), which significantly enhance warfighter situational awareness by allowing access to critical information without looking down at chest-mounted devices.

What is the market potential for the FUSION CLAW™ system developed by Kopin (KOPN) and Wilcox Industries?

The market potential is significant, with over 70,000 systems already fielded and 100 commercial licensees integrating with the Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK). The growing demand for sophisticated Visual Augmentation Solutions (VAS) indicates substantial revenue potential for Kopin and Wilcox Industries.

How does the partnership between Kopin (KOPN) and Wilcox Industries benefit both companies?

The partnership combines Kopin's expertise in micro-displays and optical solutions with Wilcox's experience in headborne mounting solutions and electro-optics. This collaboration enables them to meet customer requirements, facilitate technological development, and potentially capture a larger market share in the defense sector.