Founded in 2024, Distance Technologies is a Finnish startup specializing in glasses-free mixed reality solutions. Their proprietary technology transforms any transparent surface into a 3D light field, allowing users to experience immersive content without the need for specialized eyewear. This groundbreaking innovation has wide-ranging applications across military, automotive, aerospace, and police sectors.
Military Applications
Distance Technologies’ software significantly enhances military operations by providing advanced situational awareness. The technology can integrate and display data from diverse sources such as maps, radar, GPS, radio, and LiDAR across transparent surfaces like helmet visors, vehicle windshields, and gun scopes. This real-time, immersive visualization allows personnel to perceive mission-critical information without increasing cognitive load.
For ground vehicles, the software enables drivers and commanders to view separate data streams, ensuring that each operator receives the most relevant information. Helmet visor integration provides frontline soldiers with comprehensive battlefield intelligence, while gun scope applications enhance targeting accuracy by displaying essential data like ammo count and target classification. Additionally, the technology aids maritime defense by improving awareness in naval environments and enhancing command center operations with real-time strategic insights.
Automotive Applications
In the automotive industry, Distance Technologies’ mixed reality software transforms vehicle windshields into immersive displays. This innovation allows drivers to access navigation, hazard detection, and other vital information seamlessly overlaid onto their real-world view. Several major automotive OEMs are already evaluating the technology for future vehicle integration. By eliminating the need for headsets or glasses, the software enhances driving safety and user experience without distractions.
Aerospace Applications
Distance Technologies’ collaboration with Aechelon Technology, a leader in defense visualization, has led to the development of next-generation in-flight mixed reality simulations. This partnership focuses on creating 3D heads-up displays (HUDs) for aerospace training and operations. These advanced simulations provide real-time battlefield intelligence, target analysis, and augmented reality training directly within aircraft cockpits. The software’s ability to display precise geospatial data and integrate with AI systems makes it invaluable for mid-air refueling, reconnaissance, and mission planning.
Police and Public Safety Applications
The technology also holds promise for police and public safety operations. By enabling transparent surfaces like vehicle windshields to display real-time data, officers can access critical situational information without diverting their attention from the environment. This could include displaying pursuit routes, suspect identification, or incident overviews. The software enhances operational efficiency and decision-making capabilities for law enforcement agencies.
Funding and Business Partnerships
Distance Technologies has secured €13.4 million in funding to date. This includes €10 million from a Seed round led by GV (formerly Google Ventures), with additional investments from FOV Ventures and Maki.vc. Their strategic partnership with Aechelon Technology is a key collaboration in the defense and aerospace sectors, focusing on in-flight mixed reality and advanced training simulations. These partnerships position Distance Technologies at the forefront of mixed reality innovation, delivering transformative solutions across industries.
As they continue to advance their technology, Distance Technologies is redefining how humans interact with digital information, bridging the gap between the physical and virtual worlds without the need for wearable devices.
Photo: Distance Technologies
