The new lab will drive further development of optical systems and software-based technologies to improve imaging quality in a range of photographic and mobile device applications. 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.
The lab’s establishment is the result of the vision and support of Ren Zhengfei, CEO of Huawei and Andreas Kaufmann, majority shareholder and chairman of the advisory board of Leica Camera AG.
“In the future, over 90% of data traffic will be images and videos,” said Ren Zhengfei. “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. As a result, we will deliver the most advanced innovations in the smartphone camera market and bring greater value to consumers.”
“With the founding of the Max Berek Innovation Lab, Huawei and Leica Camera AG are expanding the scope of their successful strategic relationship and are laying the foundation for close collaboration in research and development of groundbreaking technologies in the imaging segment,” emphasised Kaufmann.
The research and innovation center is named in remembrance of Max Berek (1886-1949), the German pioneer of microscopy and creator of the first Leica lenses, who was also responsible for the optical design of more than 20 lenses for the legendary 35mm camera invented and built by Oskar Barnack.
The launch of the research and innovation center comes seven months after the public announcement of the companies' long-term technology partnership in the field of optical engineering, and five months after the launch of the multiple-award winning Huawei P9 and P9 Plus smartphones.
