#DefenseTech
Meta and Anduril’s EagleEye and the Future of XR: How Gaming, AI, and Agile Are Transforming Defense
02 June 2025
BY SCOTT M. GRAFFIUS | ScottGraffius.com
A glossary for select terms (AR, MR, NPC, Oculus, VR, and XR) follows the Supplement section of this article.
Introduction
Imagine slipping on a virtual reality (VR) headset for a thrilling video game. Now picture wearing an augmented reality (AR) headset for future battlefields, with real-time drone feeds and navigation cues guiding mission-critical decisions. EagleEye, an extended reality (XR) headset envisioned through Meta and Anduril’s partnership announced on 29 May 2025, aims to fuse gaming’s immersion with military precision for the U.S. Army.
It’s a groundbreaking collaboration blending Meta’s Reality Labs—known for innovations like Oculus and Quest—with Anduril’s defense-focused Lattice platform. Scott M. Graffius—drawing on his expertise in AI, Agile, hardware, software, and video game development (GameDev), and his experience in defense—sees EagleEye as a compelling example of cross-industry innovation. Not only does it bring gaming’s immersive capabilities into high-stakes defense scenarios, but it also demonstrates how military-grade rigor can influence the next generation of enterprise and consumer tech.
This article explores how the fusion of AI, Agile, and XR—rooted in the creative ingenuity of GameDev and the demands of defense—is reshaping immersive systems. It highlights EagleEye as a case study for how iterative development, real-time intelligence, and human-centered design can transform not only battlefield readiness, but also the future of training, simulation, and industrial applications across sectors.
Section 1: The Evolution of XR from Gaming to Defense
The journey of XR—encompassing VR and AR—began with gaming’s pursuit of immersion and has extended to defense applications. This evolution is traced from the Oculus Rift’s 2012 debut, which captivated gamers with immersive 3D worlds, to the just-announced 2025 EagleEye project, designed to equip soldiers with real-time AR overlays. Both applications rely on core XR technologies: high-resolution optics like pancake lenses, precise spatial tracking, and low-latency rendering. However, their priorities diverge sharply: gaming VR prioritizes visual fidelity and user comfort for extended play, while military XR demands rugged durability and seamless data integration for life-or-death scenarios.
EagleEye is pioneering a shift toward lightweight headsets designed to project critical battlefield intelligence—such as terrain maps, drone feeds, and enemy positions—directly into a soldier’s field of view. Unlike consumer VR’s focus on aesthetics, EagleEye emphasizes resilience in harsh conditions and rapid data processing, leveraging Meta’s Reality Labs hardware expertise and Anduril’s defense-focused innovations. There are multiple design challenges: balancing weight, battery life, and performance under extreme constraints parallels GameDev’s optimization challenges but with higher stakes. This convergence provides a roadmap for XR’s future, where gaming’s creative foundations inform defense applications, illustrating XR’s growing role across industries.
Section 2: AI as the Backbone of Next-Gen XR
Artificial intelligence (AI) drives the transformative potential of extended reality (XR), and the EagleEye project exemplifies this synergy on the battlefield. Meta’s AI capabilities integrate with Anduril’s Lattice platform to deliver real-time intelligence through EagleEye’s AR headsets. These systems process complex sensor data—such as drone feeds, satellite imagery, and battlefield telemetry—to provide soldiers with actionable overlays, including enemy positions and navigation cues. Unlike GameDev’s AI, which enhances virtual worlds with non-player characters (NPCs) or procedural environments, EagleEye’s AI focuses on real-time object recognition, predictive analytics, and data prioritization in extreme conditions.
The technical challenges are significant: low-latency AI processing is critical in resource-constrained environments, where battlefield headsets require compact, efficient computing power. EagleEye’s ability to filter and display critical data parallels GameDev’s focus on seamless user experiences but demands military-grade reliability. This convergence has broader implications: AI-driven XR could transform training simulations or industrial applications. For example, the AI techniques powering EagleEye’s threat detection could enhance VR games with smarter environments or enable medical AR for real-time diagnostics. By bridging gaming’s creative AI with defense’s precision, EagleEye sets a new benchmark for XR, inspiring technologists to reimagine AI’s role in immersive systems.
Section 3: Agile Development in High-Stakes XR Projects
The Meta-Anduril EagleEye project, developing advanced XR headsets for the U.S. Army, demonstrates how Agile methodologies accelerate innovation in defense technology. This partnership diverges from the traditionally slow and bureaucratic R&D processes of military projects. EagleEye’s rapid prototyping—privately funded and already in testing—parallels the iterative cycles in GameDev and software development. Meta’s Reality Labs, known for iterative hardware releases like the Quest series, collaborates with Anduril’s software-driven Lattice platform, integrating AI and AR through rapid feedback loops and cross-functional teams.
EagleEye’s success depends on navigating the phases of team development—forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning—under intense pressure. Hardware engineers, AI specialists, and others must align on stringent requirements, such as cybersecurity and battlefield durability while iterating rapidly. This contrasts with GameDev’s more flexible Agile environments but shares an emphasis on collaboration and adaptability. Compliance with military standards requires rigorous testing within Agile sprints. These lessons are universal: Agile’s speed and transparency can drive complex XR projects, whether for immersive games or mission-critical headsets, providing technologists a blueprint for managing high-stakes innovation.
Section 4: Bridging Gaming and Defense: Opportunities and Challenges
The EagleEye project bridges gaming and defense, revealing shared challenges and unique opportunities. Both gaming VR, such as Meta’s Quest 3, and military XR, like EagleEye, require lightweight designs, extended battery life, and low-latency rendering for seamless user experiences. However, EagleEye’s requirements diverge, emphasizing ruggedized hardware to withstand battlefield conditions and robust cybersecurity to protect sensitive data, in contrast to gaming’s focus on visual immersion and comfort.
The potential for cross-pollination is significant. Gaming innovations—such as advanced haptics and eye-tracking in VR headsets—could enhance EagleEye’s soldier interfaces, improving precision in high-stakes scenarios. Conversely, defense’s rigorous testing for durability and real-time data integration could inform enterprise VR, such as training simulators. Challenges remain: military XR requires stringent compliance, limiting Agile flexibility, while gaming allows iterative experimentation. Yet, the synergy is transformative. EagleEye’s AI-driven overlays could inspire smarter VR game environments, while gaming’s user-centric design could streamline military training interfaces. This convergence highlights XR’s broader potential, from industrial maintenance to medical diagnostics, offering technologists a framework for cross-domain innovation.
Conclusion
The EagleEye endeavor marks a pivotal moment for extended reality (XR), blending gaming’s immersive roots with defense’s mission-critical precision. This collaboration showcases XR’s versatility. By integrating Meta’s Reality Labs advancements with Anduril’s Lattice platform, EagleEye will deliver AI-powered AR headsets that redefine battlefield awareness while drawing on GameDev’s focus on low-latency, user-centric design. Agile approaches can accelerate this innovation, bridging gaming’s iterative creativity with defense’s rigorous requirements. Embracing gaming’s agility and defense’s rigor can unlock new frontiers for immersive systems. The broader implications are clear: the technologies powering EagleEye could enhance VR gaming, industrial training, medical diagnostics, and beyond.
Supplement
To inform the leap from consumer to military-grade systems, Graffius developed a visual which outlines divergent aspects between Meta Quest 3 (Gaming VR) and EagleEye (Military XR). The side-by-side comparison follows.
More
Continue reading for:
Glossary
Glossary for select terms:
Bibliography
Select bibliography:
About Meta
Meta Platforms, Inc. is a leading technology company focused on building innovative products and services that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. Known for its family of apps—including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger—as well as its pioneering work in virtual and augmented reality through Reality Labs, Meta is advancing its long-term vision for the metaverse while continuing to shape the future of social technology.
About Anduril
Anduril Industries is a defense technology company that develops advanced hardware and software systems to support national security and allied operations. Combining artificial intelligence, autonomy, and cutting-edge engineering, Anduril delivers mission-critical capabilities—such as autonomous surveillance, counter-drone systems, and AI-enabled command platforms—designed to modernize defense infrastructure and empower and support military and border protection personnel.
About Scott M. Graffius
Scott M. Graffius is an AI, Agile, and Project Management/PMO leader, researcher, author, and speaker. Along the way, he spearheaded initiatives that have generated over $2.3 billion in impact for organizations across tech, entertainment, finance, healthcare, and beyond. The following sections provide additional information on his experience, contributions, and influence.
Experience
Graffius heads the professional services firm Exceptional PPM and PMO Solutions, along with its subsidiary Exceptional Agility. These consultancies offer strategic and tactical advisory, training, embedded expertise, and consulting services to the public, private, and government sectors. They help organizations enhance their capabilities and results in agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership, supporting innovation and driving competitive advantage. The consultancies confidently back services with a Delighted Client Guarantee™.
Graffius is a former VP of project management with a publicly traded provider of diverse consumer products and services over the Internet. Before that, he ran and supervised the delivery of projects and programs in public and private organizations with businesses ranging from e-commerce to advanced technology products and services, retail, manufacturing, entertainment, and more.
He has experience with consumer, business, reseller, government, and international markets.
Award-Winning Author
Graffius has authored three books.
International Public Speaker
Organizations worldwide engage Graffius to present on tech (including AI), Agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership. He crafts and delivers unique and compelling talks and workshops. To date, Graffius has conducted 93 sessions across 25 countries. Select examples of events include Agile Trends Gov, BSides (Newcastle Upon Tyne), Conf42 Quantum Computing, DevDays Europe, DevOps Institute, DevOpsDays (Geneva), Frug’Agile, IEEE, Microsoft, Scottish Summit, Scrum Alliance RSG (Nepal), Techstars, and W Love Games International Video Game Development Conference (Helsinki), and more.
With an average rating of 4.81 (on a scale of 1-5), sessions are highly valued.
The speaker engagement request form is here.
Thought Leadership and Influence
Prominent businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities have showcased Graffius and his contributions—spanning his books, talks, workshops, and beyond. Select examples include:
Graffius has played a key role in the Project Management Institute (PMI) in developing professional standards. He was a member of multiple teams that authored, reviewed, and produced:
Additional details are here.
He was also a subject matter expert reviewer of content for the PMI’s Congress. Beyond the PMI, Graffius also served as a member of the review team for two of the Scrum Alliance’s Global Scrum Gatherings.
Acclaimed Authority on Teamwork Tradecraft
Graffius is a renowned authority on teamwork tradecraft. Informed by the research of Bruce W. Tuckman and Mary Ann C. Jensen, over 100 subsequent studies, and Graffius' first-hand professional experience with, and analysis of, team leadership and performance, Graffius created his 'Phases of Team Development' as a unique perspective and visual conveying the five phases of team development. First introduced in 2008 and periodically updated, his work provides a diagnostic and strategic guide for navigating team dynamics. It provides actionable insights for leaders across industries to develop high-performance teams. Its adoption by esteemed organizations such as Yale University, IEEE, Cisco, Microsoft, Ford, Oracle, Broadcom, the U.S. National Park Service, and the Journal of Neurosurgery, among others, highlights its utility and value, solidifying its status as an indispensable resource for elevating team performance and driving organizational excellence.
The 2025 edition of Graffius' "Phases of Team Development" intellectual property is here.
Expert on Temporal Dynamics on Social Media Platforms
Graffius is also an authority on temporal dynamics on social media platforms. His 'Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts' research—first published in 2018 and updated annually—delivers a precise quantitative analysis of post longevity across digital platforms, utilizing advanced statistical techniques to determine mean half-life with precision. It establishes a solid empirical base, effectively highlighting the ephemeral nature of content within social media ecosystems. Referenced and applied by leading entities such as the Center for Direct Marketing, Fast Company, GoDaddy, Pinterest Inc., and PNAS, among others, his research exemplifies methodological rigor and sustained significance in the field of digital informatics.
The 2025 edition of Graffius "Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts" research is here.
Education and Professional Certifications
Graffius has a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a focus in Human Factors. He holds eight professional certifications:
He is an active member of the Scrum Alliance, the Project Management Institute (PMI), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Advancing AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management
Scott M. Graffius continues to advance the fields of AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management through his leadership, research, writing, and real-world impact. Businesses and other organizations leverage Graffius’ insights to drive their success.
Thought Leader | Public Speaker | Agile Protocol Book | Agile Scrum Book | Agile Transformation Book | Blog | Photo | X | LinkedIn | Email
How to Cite This Article
Graffius, Scott M. (2025, June 2). Meta and Anduril’s EagleEye and the Future of XR: How Gaming, AI, and Agile Are Transforming Defense. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/meta-and-anduril-eagleeye-and-the-future-of-xr-how-gaming-ai-and-agile-are-transforming-defense.html.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
DOI: (coming soon)
Content Acknowledgements
All company, product, and service names and marks are the property of their respective owners. They are used in this article are for identification purposes only and Their use does not imply endorsement.
Meta, Oculus, Quest, and Reality Labs are trademarks or registered trademarks of Meta Platforms, Inc. Anduril, Lattice, and EagleEye are trademarks or registered trademarks of Anduril Industries, Inc., or its affiliates.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of others.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice or a recommendation for any specific technology, product, or service.
Graffius’ “Phases of Team Development” intellectual property is copyright © Scott M. Graffius. All rights reserved.
Copyright
Copyright © Scott M. Graffius. All rights reserved.
Content on this site—including text, images, videos, and data—may not be used for training or input into any artificial intelligence, machine learning, or automatized learning systems, or published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without the express written permission of Scott M. Graffius.
A glossary for select terms (AR, MR, NPC, Oculus, VR, and XR) follows the Supplement section of this article.
Introduction
Imagine slipping on a virtual reality (VR) headset for a thrilling video game. Now picture wearing an augmented reality (AR) headset for future battlefields, with real-time drone feeds and navigation cues guiding mission-critical decisions. EagleEye, an extended reality (XR) headset envisioned through Meta and Anduril’s partnership announced on 29 May 2025, aims to fuse gaming’s immersion with military precision for the U.S. Army.
It’s a groundbreaking collaboration blending Meta’s Reality Labs—known for innovations like Oculus and Quest—with Anduril’s defense-focused Lattice platform. Scott M. Graffius—drawing on his expertise in AI, Agile, hardware, software, and video game development (GameDev), and his experience in defense—sees EagleEye as a compelling example of cross-industry innovation. Not only does it bring gaming’s immersive capabilities into high-stakes defense scenarios, but it also demonstrates how military-grade rigor can influence the next generation of enterprise and consumer tech.
This article explores how the fusion of AI, Agile, and XR—rooted in the creative ingenuity of GameDev and the demands of defense—is reshaping immersive systems. It highlights EagleEye as a case study for how iterative development, real-time intelligence, and human-centered design can transform not only battlefield readiness, but also the future of training, simulation, and industrial applications across sectors.
Section 1: The Evolution of XR from Gaming to Defense
The journey of XR—encompassing VR and AR—began with gaming’s pursuit of immersion and has extended to defense applications. This evolution is traced from the Oculus Rift’s 2012 debut, which captivated gamers with immersive 3D worlds, to the just-announced 2025 EagleEye project, designed to equip soldiers with real-time AR overlays. Both applications rely on core XR technologies: high-resolution optics like pancake lenses, precise spatial tracking, and low-latency rendering. However, their priorities diverge sharply: gaming VR prioritizes visual fidelity and user comfort for extended play, while military XR demands rugged durability and seamless data integration for life-or-death scenarios.
EagleEye is pioneering a shift toward lightweight headsets designed to project critical battlefield intelligence—such as terrain maps, drone feeds, and enemy positions—directly into a soldier’s field of view. Unlike consumer VR’s focus on aesthetics, EagleEye emphasizes resilience in harsh conditions and rapid data processing, leveraging Meta’s Reality Labs hardware expertise and Anduril’s defense-focused innovations. There are multiple design challenges: balancing weight, battery life, and performance under extreme constraints parallels GameDev’s optimization challenges but with higher stakes. This convergence provides a roadmap for XR’s future, where gaming’s creative foundations inform defense applications, illustrating XR’s growing role across industries.
Section 2: AI as the Backbone of Next-Gen XR
Artificial intelligence (AI) drives the transformative potential of extended reality (XR), and the EagleEye project exemplifies this synergy on the battlefield. Meta’s AI capabilities integrate with Anduril’s Lattice platform to deliver real-time intelligence through EagleEye’s AR headsets. These systems process complex sensor data—such as drone feeds, satellite imagery, and battlefield telemetry—to provide soldiers with actionable overlays, including enemy positions and navigation cues. Unlike GameDev’s AI, which enhances virtual worlds with non-player characters (NPCs) or procedural environments, EagleEye’s AI focuses on real-time object recognition, predictive analytics, and data prioritization in extreme conditions.
The technical challenges are significant: low-latency AI processing is critical in resource-constrained environments, where battlefield headsets require compact, efficient computing power. EagleEye’s ability to filter and display critical data parallels GameDev’s focus on seamless user experiences but demands military-grade reliability. This convergence has broader implications: AI-driven XR could transform training simulations or industrial applications. For example, the AI techniques powering EagleEye’s threat detection could enhance VR games with smarter environments or enable medical AR for real-time diagnostics. By bridging gaming’s creative AI with defense’s precision, EagleEye sets a new benchmark for XR, inspiring technologists to reimagine AI’s role in immersive systems.
Section 3: Agile Development in High-Stakes XR Projects
The Meta-Anduril EagleEye project, developing advanced XR headsets for the U.S. Army, demonstrates how Agile methodologies accelerate innovation in defense technology. This partnership diverges from the traditionally slow and bureaucratic R&D processes of military projects. EagleEye’s rapid prototyping—privately funded and already in testing—parallels the iterative cycles in GameDev and software development. Meta’s Reality Labs, known for iterative hardware releases like the Quest series, collaborates with Anduril’s software-driven Lattice platform, integrating AI and AR through rapid feedback loops and cross-functional teams.
EagleEye’s success depends on navigating the phases of team development—forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning—under intense pressure. Hardware engineers, AI specialists, and others must align on stringent requirements, such as cybersecurity and battlefield durability while iterating rapidly. This contrasts with GameDev’s more flexible Agile environments but shares an emphasis on collaboration and adaptability. Compliance with military standards requires rigorous testing within Agile sprints. These lessons are universal: Agile’s speed and transparency can drive complex XR projects, whether for immersive games or mission-critical headsets, providing technologists a blueprint for managing high-stakes innovation.
Section 4: Bridging Gaming and Defense: Opportunities and Challenges
The EagleEye project bridges gaming and defense, revealing shared challenges and unique opportunities. Both gaming VR, such as Meta’s Quest 3, and military XR, like EagleEye, require lightweight designs, extended battery life, and low-latency rendering for seamless user experiences. However, EagleEye’s requirements diverge, emphasizing ruggedized hardware to withstand battlefield conditions and robust cybersecurity to protect sensitive data, in contrast to gaming’s focus on visual immersion and comfort.
The potential for cross-pollination is significant. Gaming innovations—such as advanced haptics and eye-tracking in VR headsets—could enhance EagleEye’s soldier interfaces, improving precision in high-stakes scenarios. Conversely, defense’s rigorous testing for durability and real-time data integration could inform enterprise VR, such as training simulators. Challenges remain: military XR requires stringent compliance, limiting Agile flexibility, while gaming allows iterative experimentation. Yet, the synergy is transformative. EagleEye’s AI-driven overlays could inspire smarter VR game environments, while gaming’s user-centric design could streamline military training interfaces. This convergence highlights XR’s broader potential, from industrial maintenance to medical diagnostics, offering technologists a framework for cross-domain innovation.
Conclusion
The EagleEye endeavor marks a pivotal moment for extended reality (XR), blending gaming’s immersive roots with defense’s mission-critical precision. This collaboration showcases XR’s versatility. By integrating Meta’s Reality Labs advancements with Anduril’s Lattice platform, EagleEye will deliver AI-powered AR headsets that redefine battlefield awareness while drawing on GameDev’s focus on low-latency, user-centric design. Agile approaches can accelerate this innovation, bridging gaming’s iterative creativity with defense’s rigorous requirements. Embracing gaming’s agility and defense’s rigor can unlock new frontiers for immersive systems. The broader implications are clear: the technologies powering EagleEye could enhance VR gaming, industrial training, medical diagnostics, and beyond.
Supplement
To inform the leap from consumer to military-grade systems, Graffius developed a visual which outlines divergent aspects between Meta Quest 3 (Gaming VR) and EagleEye (Military XR). The side-by-side comparison follows.
More
Continue reading for:
- Glossary,
- Bibliography,
- About Meta,
- About Anduril,
- About Scott M. Graffius,
- How to Cite This Article,
- and more.
Glossary
Glossary for select terms:
- AR (Augmented Reality): A technology that overlays digital content—such as images, sounds, or information—onto the real world in real time. Unlike VR, AR enhances the physical environment rather than replacing it.
- MR (Mixed Reality): A blend of physical and digital worlds where real and virtual elements interact in real time. MR allows users to manipulate and coexist with digital objects anchored in the real world, often using advanced sensors and spatial computing.
- NPC (Non-Playable Character): In gaming, an NPC is a character controlled by the computer rather than a player, often used to populate the environment or move the story forward. NPCs typically follow pre-set scripts and lack autonomy or self-awareness. (In online culture, calling someone an "NPC" implies they lack independent thought or are simply repeating mainstream views or behaviors without critical thinking—like a background character going through the motions.)
- Oculus: A line of VR headsets developed by Oculus VR, a company founded by Palmer Luckey in 2012 and acquired by Facebook (now Meta Platforms) in 2014. These headsets, including models like the Oculus Quest series, offer immersive VR experiences for gaming, entertainment, and productivity. Over time, the Oculus brand has been integrated into Meta's broader VR ecosystem, with newer devices branded under the Meta Quest name.
- VR (Virtual Reality): A fully immersive digital experience that replaces the real world with a computer-generated environment. Users typically interact with VR through headsets and motion controllers, enabling them to explore and engage with 3D spaces.
- XR (Extended Reality): An umbrella term that encompasses VR, AR, and MR, referring to all real-and-virtual combined environments and human-machine interactions. XR represents the full spectrum of immersive technologies.
Bibliography
Select bibliography:
- Anduril Industries (2025, May 29). Anduril and Meta Team Up to Transform XR for the American Military. Available at: https://www.anduril.com/article/anduril-and-meta-team-up-to-transform-xr-for-the-american-military/.
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) (2024, September 27). Teaching AI What It Should and Shouldn’t Do. Available at: https://www.darpa.mil/news/2024/teaching-ai.
- Engadget (2025, May 29). Meta Could Soon Start Building Tech for the US Army. Available at: https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/meta-could-soon-start-building-tech-for-the-us-army-184405058.html.
- Engineering Research Visioning Alliance (n.d.). Strategic Thinking for Engineering Research in the Era of Artificial Intelligence. Available at: https://www.ervacommunity.org/task-force/visioning-event-strategic-thinking-for-engineering-research-in-the-era-of-ai/.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2016). Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions. North Charleston, SC: CreateSpace.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2018, October 18). Agile Scrum Helps Innovators, Disruptors, and Entrepreneurs Develop and Deliver Products at Astounding Speed Which Drives Competitive Advantage [Presentation]. Talk delivered at Techstars Startup Week Conference. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.25009.12647.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2019). Agile Transformation: A Brief Story of How an Entertainment Company Developed New Capabilities and Unlocked Business Agility to Thrive in an Era of Rapid Change. Scotts Valley, CA: CreateSpace.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2020, November 27). Definition of Agile Culture. Available at: https://www.scottgraffius.com/blog/files/agile-culture.html.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2023, July 15). Successful Video Game Development Teams Leverage an Extensive Range of Hard Skills and Soft Skills. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/gamedev.html. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.31205.17124.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2023, May 1). AI is a Team Sport: A Confluence of Diverse Technical and Soft Skills are Crucial for Success. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/successful-ai-teams.html. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.20321.79200.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2023, October 9). Top 5 Roles on AI Teams. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/ai-team-roles.html. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.34857.57449.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2023). What Successful AI Teams Have in Common [Video]. Graffius’ talk at the 2023 Conf42 Quantum Computer Conference. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2qRKFbSKYE.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2024, April 5). Cisco Features Scott M. Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' Work' Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/cisco-2024.html. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.16689.60000.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2024, May 3). Leverage Agile and AI to Innovate at the Speed of Light. Talk at private event in Dubai, UAE. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.30790.48960.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2025, January 24). When Agile, AI, and Strategic Thinking Converge. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/when-agile-ai-and-strategic-thinking-converge.html.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2025, January 7). Scott M. Graffius’ Phases of Team Development: 2025 Update. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/phases-of-team-development-update-for-2025.html. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.33705.30564.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2025, May 13). Scott M. Graffius Delivering $2.3 Billion in Value Through AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Leadership. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/scott-m-graffius-delivering-2-point-3-billion-dollars-in-impact-for-organizations.html.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2025). Agile Protocol: The Transformation Ultimatum. Seattle, WA: Amazon Digital Services.
- Kerzner, Harold (2022). Innovation Project Management: Methods, Case Studies, and Tools for Managing Innovation Projects—Second Edition. Hoboken, New Jersey: Wiley.
- Kilby, Mark (2024, February 2). How AI Will Reshape Agile Development: Takeaways from a Recent Briefing. Agile Alliance. Available at: https://www.agilealliance.org/how-ai-will-reshape-agile-development-takeaways-from-a-recent-briefing/.
- Morsa, Luigi (2022, July 7). Agile. Creativity. Innovation. Available at: https://blog.iil.com/agile-creativity-innovation/.
- Prasad, Baba (2025, May 5). Interpreters, Challengers and Stewards: The Role of Agile Leaders in an AI World. Brown University. Available at: https://professional.brown.edu/news/2025-05-05/agile-leadership-ai-world.
- TechCrunch (2025, May 29). In a Victory for Palmer Luckey, Meta and Anduril Work on Mixed Reality Headsets for the Military. Available at: https://techcrunch.com/2025/05/29/in-a-victory-for-palmer-luckey-meta-and-anduril-work-on-mixed-reality-headsets-for-the-military.
- Wall Street Journal (2025, May 29).Meta Fired Palmer Luckey. Now, They’re Teaming Up on a Defense Contract. Available at: https://www.wsj.com/tech/meta-army-vr-headsets-anduril-palmer-luckey-142ab72a/.
About Meta
Meta Platforms, Inc. is a leading technology company focused on building innovative products and services that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. Known for its family of apps—including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger—as well as its pioneering work in virtual and augmented reality through Reality Labs, Meta is advancing its long-term vision for the metaverse while continuing to shape the future of social technology.
About Anduril
Anduril Industries is a defense technology company that develops advanced hardware and software systems to support national security and allied operations. Combining artificial intelligence, autonomy, and cutting-edge engineering, Anduril delivers mission-critical capabilities—such as autonomous surveillance, counter-drone systems, and AI-enabled command platforms—designed to modernize defense infrastructure and empower and support military and border protection personnel.
About Scott M. Graffius
Scott M. Graffius is an AI, Agile, and Project Management/PMO leader, researcher, author, and speaker. Along the way, he spearheaded initiatives that have generated over $2.3 billion in impact for organizations across tech, entertainment, finance, healthcare, and beyond. The following sections provide additional information on his experience, contributions, and influence.
Experience
Graffius heads the professional services firm Exceptional PPM and PMO Solutions, along with its subsidiary Exceptional Agility. These consultancies offer strategic and tactical advisory, training, embedded expertise, and consulting services to the public, private, and government sectors. They help organizations enhance their capabilities and results in agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership, supporting innovation and driving competitive advantage. The consultancies confidently back services with a Delighted Client Guarantee™.
Graffius is a former VP of project management with a publicly traded provider of diverse consumer products and services over the Internet. Before that, he ran and supervised the delivery of projects and programs in public and private organizations with businesses ranging from e-commerce to advanced technology products and services, retail, manufacturing, entertainment, and more.
He has experience with consumer, business, reseller, government, and international markets.
Award-Winning Author
Graffius has authored three books.
- Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions, his first book, earned 17 awards.
- Agile Transformation: A Brief Story of How an Entertainment Company Developed New Capabilities and Unlocked Business Agility to Thrive in an Era of Rapid Change, his second book, was named one of the best Scrum books of all time by BookAuthority.
- Agile Protocol: The Transformation Ultimatum, his third book and his first work of fiction, was released in April 2025. The book trailer is on YouTube.
International Public Speaker
Organizations worldwide engage Graffius to present on tech (including AI), Agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership. He crafts and delivers unique and compelling talks and workshops. To date, Graffius has conducted 93 sessions across 25 countries. Select examples of events include Agile Trends Gov, BSides (Newcastle Upon Tyne), Conf42 Quantum Computing, DevDays Europe, DevOps Institute, DevOpsDays (Geneva), Frug’Agile, IEEE, Microsoft, Scottish Summit, Scrum Alliance RSG (Nepal), Techstars, and W Love Games International Video Game Development Conference (Helsinki), and more.
With an average rating of 4.81 (on a scale of 1-5), sessions are highly valued.
The speaker engagement request form is here.
Thought Leadership and Influence
Prominent businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities have showcased Graffius and his contributions—spanning his books, talks, workshops, and beyond. Select examples include:
- Adobe,
- American Management Association,
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute,
- Bayer,
- BMC Software,
- Boston University,
- Broadcom,
- Cisco,
- Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts - Germany,
- Computer Weekly,
- Constructor University - Germany,
- Data Governance Success,
- Deimos Aerospace,
- DevOps Institute,
- Dropbox,
- EU's European Commission,
- Ford Motor Company,
- Gartner,
- GoDaddy,
- Harvard Medical School,
- Hasso Plattner Institute - Germany,
- IEEE,
- Innovation Project Management,
- Johns Hopkins University,
- Journal of Neurosurgery,
- Lam Research (Semiconductors),
- Leadership Worthy,
- Life Sciences Trainers and Educators Network,
- London South Bank University,
- Microsoft,
- NASSCOM,
- National Academy of Sciences,
- New Zealand Government,
- Oracle,
- Pinterest Inc.,
- Project Management Institute,
- Mary Raum (Professor of National Security Affairs, United States Naval War College),
- SANS Institute,
- SBG Neumark - Germany,
- Singapore Institute of Technology,
- Torrens University - Australia,
- TBS Switzerland,
- Tufts University,
- UC San Diego,
- UK Sports Institute,
- University of Galway - Ireland,
- US Department of Energy,
- US National Park Service,
- US Soccer,
- US Tennis Association,
- Verizon,
- Wrike,
- Yale University,
- and many others.
Graffius has played a key role in the Project Management Institute (PMI) in developing professional standards. He was a member of multiple teams that authored, reviewed, and produced:
- Practice Standard for Work Breakdown Structures—Second Edition.
- A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge—Sixth Edition.
- The Standard for Program Management—Fourth Edition.
- The Practice Standard for Project Estimating—Second Edition.
Additional details are here.
He was also a subject matter expert reviewer of content for the PMI’s Congress. Beyond the PMI, Graffius also served as a member of the review team for two of the Scrum Alliance’s Global Scrum Gatherings.
Acclaimed Authority on Teamwork Tradecraft
Graffius is a renowned authority on teamwork tradecraft. Informed by the research of Bruce W. Tuckman and Mary Ann C. Jensen, over 100 subsequent studies, and Graffius' first-hand professional experience with, and analysis of, team leadership and performance, Graffius created his 'Phases of Team Development' as a unique perspective and visual conveying the five phases of team development. First introduced in 2008 and periodically updated, his work provides a diagnostic and strategic guide for navigating team dynamics. It provides actionable insights for leaders across industries to develop high-performance teams. Its adoption by esteemed organizations such as Yale University, IEEE, Cisco, Microsoft, Ford, Oracle, Broadcom, the U.S. National Park Service, and the Journal of Neurosurgery, among others, highlights its utility and value, solidifying its status as an indispensable resource for elevating team performance and driving organizational excellence.
The 2025 edition of Graffius' "Phases of Team Development" intellectual property is here.
Expert on Temporal Dynamics on Social Media Platforms
Graffius is also an authority on temporal dynamics on social media platforms. His 'Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts' research—first published in 2018 and updated annually—delivers a precise quantitative analysis of post longevity across digital platforms, utilizing advanced statistical techniques to determine mean half-life with precision. It establishes a solid empirical base, effectively highlighting the ephemeral nature of content within social media ecosystems. Referenced and applied by leading entities such as the Center for Direct Marketing, Fast Company, GoDaddy, Pinterest Inc., and PNAS, among others, his research exemplifies methodological rigor and sustained significance in the field of digital informatics.
The 2025 edition of Graffius "Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts" research is here.
Education and Professional Certifications
Graffius has a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a focus in Human Factors. He holds eight professional certifications:
- Certified SAFe 6 Agilist (SA),
- Certified Scrum Professional - ScrumMaster (CSP-SM),
- Certified Scrum Professional - Product Owner (CSP-PO),
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM),
- Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO),
- Project Management Professional (PMP),
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB), and
- IT Service Management Foundation (ITIL).
He is an active member of the Scrum Alliance, the Project Management Institute (PMI), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Advancing AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management
Scott M. Graffius continues to advance the fields of AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management through his leadership, research, writing, and real-world impact. Businesses and other organizations leverage Graffius’ insights to drive their success.
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How to Cite This Article
Graffius, Scott M. (2025, June 2). Meta and Anduril’s EagleEye and the Future of XR: How Gaming, AI, and Agile Are Transforming Defense. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/meta-and-anduril-eagleeye-and-the-future-of-xr-how-gaming-ai-and-agile-are-transforming-defense.html.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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Content Acknowledgements
All company, product, and service names and marks are the property of their respective owners. They are used in this article are for identification purposes only and Their use does not imply endorsement.
Meta, Oculus, Quest, and Reality Labs are trademarks or registered trademarks of Meta Platforms, Inc. Anduril, Lattice, and EagleEye are trademarks or registered trademarks of Anduril Industries, Inc., or its affiliates.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of others.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice or a recommendation for any specific technology, product, or service.
Graffius’ “Phases of Team Development” intellectual property is copyright © Scott M. Graffius. All rights reserved.
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