MicroVision Wants Drones to Map the Battlefield in Real Time

MicroVision, Inc. (NASDAQ:MVIS) stock edged higher Tuesday after the company announced a partnership with Robinson Unmanned to advance lidar integration for real-time aerial mapping.The companies entered a joint marketing and demonstration agreement. They will integrate MicroVision’s MOVIA Air Plus lidar technology with Robinson Unmanned’s SPIRIT Group 1 unmanned aircraft system.MicroVision Targets Real-Time Aerial MappingThe companies plan to demonstrate how airborne lidar can capture, process and generate detailed spatial data in real time. That could shorten the time between collecting information and using it for operational decisions.The technology could support commercial, civil, public safety and defense applications. Potential uses include surveying, infrastructure inspection, autonomous operations and security missions.MicroVision CEO Glen DeVos said Robinson Unmanned’s experience with unmanned aircraft provides a platform to demonstrate how the company’s lidar technology can improve airborne mapping and situational awareness.Robinson Unmanned President Paul Fermo said SPIRIT’s open architecture allows operators to add technologies such as MOVIA Air Plus without redesigning the aircraft. See More: Top Value Stocks SPIRIT Platform Supports Modular IntegrationMOVIA Air Plus combines lidar hardware with perception and mapping software for airborne and mobile applications. It can also combine camera and lidar data to create three-dimensional maps in real time.The system supports mapping, localization and navigation without GPS. That could be useful in areas where foliage, camouflage or other conditions limit visual sensing.SPIRIT is an aviation-grade, NDAA-compliant, Blue UAS-cleared Group 1 platform. Its modular open systems architecture supports the integration of sensors, communications equipment and other mission technologies.The partnership also supports MicroVision’s broader strategy of working with platform providers to expand the use of its lidar and perception technology across industrial, security and defense markets.Demonstrations Planned Through 2026MicroVision and Robinson Unmanned will showcase the technology at the Association of the U.S. Army’s 2026 Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington from Oct. 12 through Oct. 14. The companies also plan additional demonstrations and customer evaluations through the rest of 2026.Recent EarningsIn August, the micro-cap company released its second-quarter results with revenue of $1.5 million, compared to $0.2 million in the previous year, driven by increased volume of sensors shipped, as well as development revenue.The company ended the second quarter with $27.2 million in cash and cash equivalents, including investment securities.MicroVision will provide a business update including commercial progress, revenue and operating expense expectations, and its business outlook on Oct. 7.MicroVision Price ActionMVIS Price Action: MicroVision shares were up 7.48% at $1.58 at the time of publication on Tuesday, according to Benzinga Pro data.Photo via Shutterstock Read Also: Oklo Stock Rises as Google's 20-Year Constellation Deal Lifts Nuclear Stocks