Swarovski Optik, the world-leading sports optics manufacturer, has unveiled its latest innovation at the CES 2024 in Las Vegas: the AX Visio, the world’s first AI-supported binoculars that can detect and identify more than 9,000 birds and other wildlife at the touch of a button.
The AX Visio is a collaboration between Swarovski Optik and industrial designer Marc Newson, who created a modern and ergonomic design that combines high-performance analog long-range optics from Swarovision with digital intelligence. The binoculars have an integrated operating and object-recognition system that uses a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) to process relevant information for object recognition.
The AX Visio can assist users with real-time identification of birds and other creatures by using its camera to capture photos and videos of what they are looking at. These images can then be immediately managed and shared with a connected smartphone using the associated Swarovski Optik Outdoor App. The app also has a “Share discoveries” function that allows users to guide another person to the observed object using arrow markers in the display.
The AX Visio is not only a smart camera, but also a smart companion for nature observation. It offers users a wide range of practical extra functions, such as zooming, focusing, tracking, measuring distance, calculating speed, displaying weather information, and more. The binoculars also have an open programming interface that allows creative external providers to expand the AX Visio with new functionalities.
The AX Visio is expected to be available from selected retailers and online at swarovskioptik.com from February 1, 2024. The price of the binoculars is $4,800, which reflects its high-quality design and advanced technology.
Swarovski Optik CEO Stefan Schwarz said that the company has invested around five years in developing and constructing the AX Visio. He said that the integration of digital components and functions in their products brings significant added value for their consumers in different areas of application.
Andreas Gerk, Chief Technology and Operations Officer at Swarovski Optik said that the analog components of the device comply with their sustainable quality standards. He said that they aim to promote an innovative system that continuously develops and meets users’ needs for enhanced vision and more information as effectively as possible.
Marc Newson said that he was inspired by his previous collaboration with Swarovski Optik on the CL Curio. He said that he wanted to create a product that was similar to a modern camera since it was both optical, electronic, and digital. He said that he used his expertise in form-making to create a product that was intuitive to use but also sophisticated in functionality.
