Industrial AR Pioneer DAQRI Shuts Down After a Decade
Augmented reality startup DAQRI closes its headquarters and lays off employees as it prepares to cease all operations by the end of September.
Augmented reality startup DAQRI shuts down its headquarters and lays off employees as it prepares to close its doors permanently by the end of September. After nearly ten years in operation, the company reportedly tries to sell off its assets. No specific reason emerges for the sudden closure, but reports point to poor product sales and waning investor interest in AR startups.
DAQRI focuses primarily on business-oriented augmented reality headsets designed to make industrial jobs easier and safer. The company releases its first smart glasses in 2016 and a smaller version priced at $4,995 the following year. During its peak in 2017, DAQRI devices even see use in surgical training and the startup raises $275 million in venture capital.
The closure of DAQRI highlights the ongoing difficulties of developing AR technology and training workers to use futuristic gear. DAQRI is not alone in this struggle, as Intel, Meta, and Osterhout Design Group also shut down similar projects recently. Moving forward, major tech players like Apple, Microsoft, and Lenovo take the lead in pushing augmented reality development forward.