Daqri

Former leader in industrial AR hardware before ceasing operations

DAQRI was an augmented reality (AR) technology company founded in 2010 that specialized in developing AR hardware and software solutions for industrial and enterprise markets. The company was best known for its DAQRI Smart Helmet, an AR-enabled hard hat designed for construction, manufacturing, and other industrial environments, as well as its Smart Glasses product line. DAQRI's technology aimed to overlay digital information onto the physical world to improve worker productivity, safety, and training in industrial settings. While DAQRI was not primarily an AdTech company, it operated in the broader technology ecosystem and explored applications of AR technology across various sectors. The company raised significant venture capital funding, totaling over $250 million, and was once considered a leader in the industrial AR space. However, DAQRI struggled to achieve commercial viability and market adoption for its expensive hardware products. In 2019, DAQRI ceased operations and sold off its assets. The company's holographic waveguide display technology and related patents were acquired by Snap Inc., while its AR software platform was purchased by NS Holdings. DAQRI's closure marked a significant setback for the industrial AR industry and highlighted the challenges of bringing expensive AR hardware to market before the technology and market demand had fully matured.