Huawei and Leica Camera have expanded their strategic collaboration, establishing a jointly operated research and innovation centre, with augmented and virtual reality research and development to be among its areas of focus.

The launch of the Max Berek Innovation Lab follows the two companies earlier in the year entering into a long-term technology partnership focused on optical engineering.

Huawei this year launched its Huawei P9 and P9 Plus smartphones, co-engineered with Leica, sporting dual-lens cameras.

“The new lab, located at Leica’s global HQ in Wetzlar, Germany, will drive further development of optical systems and software-based technologies to improve imaging quality in a wide range of photographic and mobile device applications,” Huawei stated.

“Additional outcomes will include the creation of computational imaging, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) solutions. In addition to R&D resources from both companies, Huawei and Leica plan to collaborate with German and international universities and research institutions.”

Ren Zhengfei, Huawei CEO, noted that “over 90 per cent of data traffic will be images and videos” in the future.

“The Max Berek Innovation Lab provides the capacity to establish an even closer partnership with Leica, leading to continuous improvements in image and video quality,” Zhengfei commented.

“As a result, we will deliver the most advanced innovations in the smartphone camera market and bring greater value to consumers.”