By Margaret Russell 
In May 2025, defense technology company Anduril Industries announced the acquisition оf Irish firm Klas, a manufacturer оf rugged edge computing hardware for military and emergency services. This marked Anduril’s ninth merger and acquisition deal, emphasizing its focus оn strengthening capabilities іn real-time artificial intelligence at the edge.
Edge Computing and AI: Challenges and Solutions
Edge computing enables data processing directly оn devices located near the data source, which іs especially important for applications that require minimal latency and high reliability. This іs critical іn military operations, where delays іn data transmission can be life-threatening.
Simply put: Instead of sending data to the cloud (remote servers), it is processed on the spot—as if you have a mini-computer with AI in a suitcase, doing everything instantly.
One of Anduril’s key products in this field is Menace-T—a compact system that provides computing and communications in remote or harsh environments. The device fits into two carry-on cases and can be deployed by a single person in minutes. Menace-T is already in use on ground military vehicles and naval vessels.
To clarify: This device can be set up on site and start working immediately. It acts like a mobile command center with built-in AI.
Integration with Augmented Reality Systems
A notable application of Menace-T is in supporting the computing and communications infrastructure for the Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS), a military augmented reality project initially developed by Microsoft. After encountering technical issues, the project was taken over by Anduril in February 2025, with Microsoft remaining a cloud partner. Anduril’s Lattice software, which enables computer vision and AI capabilities, helps IVAS with object recognition, tracking, and classification.
Explanation: A soldier wears AR glasses and receives visual cues—such as identifying nearby objects or detecting threats. Menace-T powers all of this on-site, without delays.
Industry Outlook and Strategic Importance
The combination of edge computing and artificial intelligence opens up new possibilities for the defense industry and other critical sectors. Compact and powerful solutions like Menace-T provide dependable connectivity and real-time data processing, which is essential in areas where traditional cloud services are unavailable or unreliable.
Real-world example: If a soldier is in the mountains or desert without internet access, Menace-T still works. It “understands” and analyzes the environment on its own.
The acquisition of Klas and the continued development of products like Menace-T illustrate Anduril’s commitment to building integrated systems that redefine the use of technology in the field. It highlights the importance of investing in innovation to enhance efficiency and safety in mission-critical operations.