Varjo

Varjo makes virtual reality and mixed reality headsets and software for simulation training. The company is based in Helsinki, Finland. Its customers are mostly in defense and aerospace, where crews practice in a safe setting.

Varjo was founded in 2016 by product leaders with a background at Nokia, Microsoft and NVIDIA. Today it has more than 180 staff, and it says its technology is used in over 120 defense programs around the world. Besides Helsinki, it has offices in the United States and Germany.

The main product is the XR-4 Series of headsets. It has three models. The XR-4 is for virtual training. The XR-4 Focal Edition adds gaze-driven autofocus cameras for mixed reality. The XR-4 Secure Edition is meant for classified or air-gapped sites, has no wireless parts as an option, and is made in the company's own secure plant in Finland. The headsets have two 4K displays, a field of view of 120 by 105 degrees, up to 51 pixels per degree and eye tracking. Varjo says it will build all XR-4 Series headsets in Finland.

Software is part of the offer. Varjo Base controls visuals, rendering, tracking and device management. Teleport Secure and a list of compatible software connect the headsets to 3D tools, image generators and simulation platforms. A professional services team called Varjo Alpha works with partners on simulator projects.

The company targets training in the air, on land and at sea. In the air, fighter pilots and airline crews can use real maps, checklists and avionics in mixed reality. Trainees can see and touch real cockpit controls while they stay in a virtual scenario. Rotary pilot simulators are one example. On land, driving crews and weapons operators rehearse missions. At sea, crews practice navigation and emergency drills. Other uses include command centers, labs, medical simulation and space missions.

Named customers and partners include the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the US Army RVCT program, Rheinmetall, Lockheed Martin, the European Space Agency, TRU Simulation and Entrol.

Services

• VR and XR headsets
• XR-4 Series
• XR-4 Secure Edition
• Varjo Base software
• Teleport Secure
• Professional services
• Flight simulation training
• Vehicle and crew training
• Maritime simulation training