Anduril has acquired Klas and unveiled the portable Menace-T system, aiming to revolutionize edge computing in military operations while hinting at future commercial applications. (Source: Image by RR)

Menace-T System Targets Fast Deployment and Maximum Mobility

Anduril has announced its ninth acquisition with the purchase of Dublin-based Klas, a company known for its ruggedized edge computing and networking equipment used by military personnel and first responders. While the financial details remain undisclosed and the acquisition is pending regulatory approval, Klas brings with it a workforce of 150 people. On the same day, Anduril also introduced a new product called Menace-T, a compact and portable command system that integrates compute and network connectivity. Unlike traditional bulky systems, Menace-T fits into two carry-on cases and can be deployed by a single person, extending edge computing capabilities to remote and challenging environments.

Klas’ flagship product line, Voyager, had already been used in Anduril’s previous Menace command systems and is fully compatible with Anduril’s Lattice software, which uses AI to enable tasks like object detection and classification. The Menace-T. as reported in techcrunch.com, is now being positioned as an enhancement to the U.S. military’s Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS), a project originally awarded to Microsoft for developing combat-ready HoloLens headsets. Despite Microsoft’s ongoing role as a cloud partner, Anduril took control of the IVAS contract earlier this year due to performance setbacks. Menace-T, powered by Klas technology, is expected to improve IVAS’s data handling and field communication.

The Menace-T system aims to address IVAS’s long-standing technical issues by delivering reliable edge computing support for real-time data transfer and communications. According to Tom Keane, Anduril’s SVP of Engineering, Klas has already been contributing to the IVAS system, and the new integration will expand its role. The combined hardware and software infrastructure now allows for improved operational capability, enabling soldiers to manage autonomous systems and access critical data in the field without relying on centralized systems.

While Anduril remains focused on defense, national security, and law enforcement applications, the company acknowledges that the technology acquired through Klas has broader potential. The same edge computing systems could support applications in automotive, industrial automation, and environmental monitoring. Though commercial expansion hasn’t been formally announced, Anduril has left the door open for future pursuits in the civilian sector, leveraging Klas’ adaptable and field-proven technology.

read more at techcrunch.com