EssilorLuxottica Acquires Automation & Robotics to Enhance Advanced Lens Production Technologies

EssilorLuxottica has acquired Automation & Robotics (A&R), a Belgian company specializing in designing and producing automated quality control systems for eyeglasses, used both industrially and in eye care clinics. The acquisition bolsters EssilorLuxottica's vertically integrated business model, aiming to ensure high-quality standards and services across the entire value chain.

EssilorLuxottica, the world's largest eyewear manufacturer, has further solidified its position in the industry by acquiring Automation & Robotics (A&R), a Belgian company specializing in automated quality control systems for eyeglasses. The acquisition, announced on August 4, 2025, aims to enhance the company's vertically integrated business model, ensuring high-quality standards and services across the entire value chain [2].

A&R, established in 1983, has built a strong reputation for its advanced optical metrology technologies, which support lens manufacturers in both mass production facilities and prescription laboratories. The company's expertise spans R&D, software development, manufacturing, distribution, and deployment, along with related services. This acquisition aligns with EssilorLuxottica's commitment to innovation and precision, particularly as it seeks to support the evolving needs of ophthalmic manufacturing, including emerging categories like wearables [2].

The acquisition is a strategic move that bolsters EssilorLuxottica's vertical integration, a key component of its long-term strategy. By integrating A&R's advanced quality control systems, EssilorLuxottica can optimize its production processes, ensure higher standards of quality, and enhance its service offerings. This move is part of EssilorLuxottica's broader initiative to advance the future of vision care through innovation and excellence [2].

In the context of Meta's (META) recent foray into AI-powered wearable glasses, such as the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, the acquisition of A&R underscores EssilorLuxottica's commitment to technological advancement. With Meta's glasses already outselling competitors and expected to ship 10 million units annually by the end of 2025, the integration of high-quality manufacturing and quality control systems is crucial for maintaining the high standards required for such products [1].

The acquisition of A&R is a significant step for EssilorLuxottica, positioning it as a leader in the ophthalmic manufacturing sector. By leveraging A&R's expertise in automated quality control, EssilorLuxottica can better support the growing demand for high-quality, innovative eyewear products, including those designed for emerging technologies like AI-powered glasses [2].

References:
[1] https://www.ainvest.com/news/meta-glasses-gambit-pioneering-post-iphone-era-reshaping-future-tech-investment-2508/
[2] https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/08/04/3126288/0/en/EssilorLuxottica-EssilorLuxottica-acquires-Automation-Robotics-advancing-high-performance-solutions-in-ophthalmic-manufacturing.html