A Deep Dive into Meta's Orion AR Glasses Prototype

Introduction

Meta's Orion AR glasses prototype has garnered significant attention as a pioneering product in the augmented reality (AR) space. Designed to offer a comprehensive AR experience, Orion stands out with its unique form factor and advanced technological features. Although Meta has no immediate plans to commercialize Orion due to its high manufacturing cost of approximately $10,000, the company is committed to developing more affordable versions in the coming years. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the key components and innovations behind Orion, highlighting its potential to shape the future of AR wearable technology.

The External Computing Unit

Central to the functionality of Orion is the external computing unit, colloquially known as the "Puck." This compact device houses a high-capacity battery and a custom-designed System on Chip (SoC) by Meta, which performs the bulk of the processing tasks for the AR glasses. The Puck also facilitates wireless connectivity with Orion and the EMG wristband, enabling seamless interaction without the need for cumbersome cabling.

The Puck's design is a testament to Meta's engineering prowess. Despite its small size, it packs a powerful punch, thanks to a custom-designed coprocessor. In the early stages of Meta's AR research, the computing unit was tethered to the glasses via cables and worn around the neck. However, advancements in wireless communication technology have allowed Meta to eliminate these cables, enhancing the overall user experience.

The Puck's versatility extends beyond mere computation. Equipped with sensors and cameras, it can capture AR video calls, projecting the caller as a hologram above the device. Industrial designer Emron Henry aptly described the experience as "releasing a genie from a bottle," with holograms seamlessly appearing and disappearing from the device. Additionally, the Puck incorporates haptic and 6DoF sensors, allowing it to function as a spatial tracking controller for AR games and other interactive applications.

Custom Silicon Chips

Meta's journey in developing custom silicon chips for AR glasses began in 2017, with Orion utilizing several of these highly efficient processors. The primary goal was to achieve a 100-fold reduction in power consumption, necessitating a harmonious integration of hardware and software optimizations.

The silicon team at Meta is also responsible for the development of two silicon-based MicroLED projectors for AR displays. The production process for these projectors is highly complex, involving multiple stages of manufacturing across different locations. The team has developed specialized testing tools to validate each step, ensuring the highest standards of quality and performance.

Although Orion does not currently allow users to take photos with its RGB camera, the silicon chips are designed to support this functionality, along with advanced codec capabilities. This forward-thinking approach underscores Meta's commitment to future-proofing its AR technology.

Waveguide Display

One of the most innovative aspects of Orion is its use of silicon carbide as the waveguide material. This material offers significant advantages over traditional glass or plastic waveguides. With a refractive index of 2.7—compared to the maximum of 1.8 for glass—silicon carbide enables a wide field of view of approximately 70 degrees without the need for multiple stacked waveguides.

Silicon carbide also excels in eliminating rainbow artifacts and boasts excellent thermal conductivity, both of which are crucial for AR glasses. Known for its electrical properties and commonly used in electric vehicles, silicon carbide presents unique challenges in manufacturing due to its hardness. Cutting and polishing require diamond tools, adding to the cost.

Meta has developed a proprietary etching technique to manufacture waveguides directly on the device, a first in the industry. This breakthrough allows Meta to bypass traditional nanoimprint lithography, which is not suitable for such high-refractive-index substrates. The company has established its own facilities and processes for producing silicon carbide waveguides, positioning itself at the forefront of this emerging technology.

Currently, the manufacturing cost of Orion is around $10,000, with the silicon carbide waveguide being the most expensive component. However, Meta is optimistic about cost reductions in the future. As more manufacturers enter the market, the economies of scale are expected to drive down the cost of this advanced optical material.

Future Outlook

Meta's vision for the future of AR glasses is ambitious. The company aims to make AR technology accessible to a broader audience by developing more affordable products. The insights gained from Orion's development will inform the design and production of future AR glasses, ensuring they are both powerful and user-friendly.

The success of Orion's prototype has already sparked interest from suppliers across different continents. The potential for mass production of silicon carbide waveguides is seen as a game-changer, opening new avenues for innovation and cost reduction. Meta's commitment to pushing the boundaries of AR technology is evident in its ongoing research and development efforts.

Conclusion

Meta's Orion AR glasses prototype represents a significant milestone in the evolution of wearable AR technology. With its advanced computing unit, custom silicon chips, and innovative waveguide display, Orion showcases the potential of AR glasses to transform how we interact with digital content. While the current prototype is not yet ready for mass production, the lessons learned from Orion will undoubtedly shape the future of AR wearables. As Meta continues to innovate and collaborate with industry partners, the promise of affordable, high-performance AR glasses becomes increasingly tangible.