• Clearview AI, a developer of facial recognition-based solutions for law enforcement, has been awarded a contract worth USD 49,847 (in November 2021) from the US Air Force for a three-month study to determine the feasibility of augmented reality (AR) and facial recognition-based smart glasses.

• According to public procurement records, the contract, which is listed as a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) procurement, is reportedly to research the feasibility of using AR glasses for the purpose of protecting airfields. According to an Air Force Research Laboratory spokesperson, no glasses will be delivered under this contract.

<ul><li> Analyst QuickTake: The company was first seen experimenting with AR smart glasses in 2020 in partnership with wearable technology company Vuzix. According to a company, Vuzix had sent a set of AR glasses to Clearview AI for testing at that time. Despite being in the research stage, this contract with the Air Force marks the first time Clearview AI has monetized the technology, which also indicates future growth potential by widening its product base to cater to the video surveillance market (from current law enforcement). The company has also entered into several other contracts recently with government agencies including the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security .</ul>