Vuzix Corp. of Rochester, N.Y., has announced a strategic technology development partnership with Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems of Dresden, Germany, to develop microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices that are optimized for augmented and virtual wearable display solutions. The collaboration will produce a component that integrates the display and optics into a monolithic display engine to enable sunglass-style video glasses. Fraunhofer will support Vuzix’s design of video eyewear and head-mounted displays for the global mobile smartphone, console gaming and defense markets. Fraunhofer’s MEMS devices are key for creating a single electro-optic device for Vuzix’s next-generation video eyewear displays.