Morpho and Distance Technologies Sign MOU to Develop Next-Generation Spatial Computing Solutions

21 September 2026 — TOKYO and HELSINKI — Morpho, Inc. (Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market: 3653), a leader in image processing and Imaging AI, and Finland-based Distance Technologies™ Oy, a developer of advanced visual intelligence and computational optics systems for the automotive and defense industries, today announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) inaugurating a partnership in developing next-generation spatial computing solutions.

The companies intend to combine Morpho’s image processing, computer vision and 3D reconstruction technologies with Distance’s computational optics, 3D lightfield Head-Up Display (HUD) technology and Acuity OS™ platform to achieve a new standard in high-end automotive and defense visual applications. The new solutions will reflect Morpho’s ability to capture and reconstruct the physical environment with Distance’s ability to place digital information directly into the user’s field of view.

Next-Generation Visual Intelligence for Automotive and Defence 

Morpho has developed extensive expertise in Imaging AI, combining advanced digital image processing with artificial intelligence. Its technologies include image-based distance estimation and Morpho Photogrammetry Toolkit™, which reconstructs accurate 3D environments using conventional RGB cameras.

Distance develops visual intelligence systems that transform windshields, visors and other transparent surfaces into interfaces between digital information and the physical world. Its computational optics technology can present depth-rich, three-dimensional information directly within the user’s field of view without requiring conventional XR glasses or headsets.

For automotive applications, Morpho’s image recognition, distance estimation and spatial recognition technologies can capture and interpret the environment around a vehicle. Distance’s lightfield HUD technology can then present that information through the windshield with distance and depth cues aligned to the physical world.

The companies will explore applications including next-generation driver assistance, navigation and other visual intelligence systems. Morpho and Distance will also explore defense and security applications combining Morpho’s 3D spatial reconstruction and image-analysis technologies with Distance’s Field Operator HUD, Acuity OS and computational optics technologies.

Potential applications include vehicle windshields, helmets and other operator interfaces capable of presenting sensor, environmental and mission information directly within the user’s field of view. 

The goal is to make increasingly complex operational information easier to understand and act upon in real time.

Executive Comments

Urho Konttori, CEO and Co-founder, Distance Technologies

“Distance is developing the world’s most advanced visual intelligence and computational optics systems, and we are very pleased to partner with Morpho, an acknowledged Japanese innovator in computer vision and Imaging AI.

“Combining Distance’s Field Operator HUD and Acuity OS with Morpho’s computer vision technologies creates an opportunity to develop Japan-specific solutions that fundamentally change how people perceive and understand the world through technology. Our first area of focus will be defense and security, including potential applications supporting the Japan Self-Defense Forces.

“Modern sensors already generate extraordinary amounts of information. The challenge is turning that information into something a human being can immediately understand and act upon. That is where the combination of Morpho and Distance becomes particularly powerful.”

Masaki Hiraga, President and CEO, Morpho, Inc.

“We are very pleased to partner with Distance Technologies and combine its Field Operator HUD and Acuity OS technologies with Morpho’s computer vision and Visual AI capabilities.

“Together, we intend to create differentiated solutions for the Japanese market, beginning with defense and security, where advanced visual technologies can enhance situational awareness and support more effective decision-making. We look forward to expanding the collaboration into a broader range of applications.”

About Distance Technologies

Distance Technologies Oy develops advanced visual intelligence and computational optics systems for defense, automotive and aerospace applications.

Its technology transforms windshields, visors, helmets and other surfaces into intelligent visual interfaces that integrate digital information with the physical world. Founded in Helsinki in 2023 by Urho Konttori and other veterans of the XR and technology industries, Distance is backed by GV and other leading investors.

Company: Distance Technologies Oy
Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland
CEO: Urho Konttori
Website: distance.tech

About Morpho, Inc.

Morpho develops advanced image processing and artificial intelligence technologies for smartphones, semiconductors, automotive systems and industrial IoT. The company also conducts research-driven contract development and joint R&D in computer vision and AI.

Company: Morpho, Inc.
Headquarters: KANDA SQUARE 11F, WeWork, 2-2-1 Kanda-Nishikicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
President and CEO: Masaki Hiraga, Ph.D.
Established: May 26, 2004
Capital: JPY 100 million, as of April 1, 2026
Website: morphoinc.com

Morpho, the Morpho name and the Morpho logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Morpho, Inc.