Innovation Unveiled: Making AR Possible

At Magic Leap, what happens behind the scenes is just as exciting as what can be experienced through our lenses. Nothing pushes innovation like passion — passion to do something truly revolutionary and industry shaping, and that’s what our team brings to the table every day. Why? Because they know that in order to create an experience that combines the physical and digital, they need to push the boundaries of what’s possible in optics and manufacturing. As Mike Miller, Distinguished Product Manager- Hardware, explains: “One of the great things about see-through AR is that the world around us is just amazing, and it’s really hard to replace that."

Optics Technology for the Human Experience

So, how do we make it all happen? As Ryan Ong explains, “The team consists of experts in chemistry, physics, material science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and optics—half of whom hold PhDs. This diverse expertise allows us to communicate effectively and innovate continuously.” Welcome to our waveguide technology, we call them eyepieces. Imagine your digital content seamlessly placed into the physical world right in front of your eyes on a transparent lens. Our digital enhancements feel natural and intuitive, whether they’re locked in place, moving with you, or interacting with objects. We know that the only way this works is by ensuring the “reality” part of AR is always top of mind.

Homegrown Solutions

When we’re talking about this degree of innovation, traditional processes can’t keep up. So, we create our own tools and methods. From shaping raw glass wafers to printing nano patterns on waveguides, we transform concepts into reality at every stage of production. Frank Staszewski, our SVP of supply chain and manufacturing, talks about how we meet the challenges of transforming glass into waveguides and making them at the highest quality. “Flipping wafers without damaging them or keeping surfaces particle-free at a microscopic level requires an incredible amount of precision, and our ability to do so quickly and at scale shows just how dedicated we are to perfecting our craft.” Jake and Elwood are two of the team’s favorite machines—so essential to the process that they’ve been given names and feel like part of the family.

Proud to Innovate

Dr. Julie Frish, Sr Research Engineer - Waveguide Materials, envisions a future where “information won’t just be at your fingertips; it’ll be at your eyeballs.” It’s all about freeing up your mind to focus on the moment, while still having that extra layer of interaction and understanding. The shiniest tech in the world is no good if it’s not helping people in useful and meaningful ways. Our team is passionate about refining our process and products — pushing the boundaries of what is possible. We love the work we’re doing to shape the future of augmented reality, and we want to bring you on this journey with us.

Curious to learn more about what it takes to turn ideas into immersive AR experiences? Check out our behind-the-scenes video, where we explore the technology, talent, and dedication that brings this all to life. You’ll meet the passionate people shaping the future of AR and see firsthand the collaboration and innovation driving every step.

Join us for a closer look at how we're Making AR Possible.