Let’s take a journey into the future of smart glasses technology. Picture yourself speeding down the road on a motorcycle at 160 kilometers per hour. Suddenly, an arrow appears floating in front of you, guiding you on where to turn. No need to glance at your phone or dashboard – all you need is your helmet and a tiny lens.
This futuristic scenario is not just a concept video anymore. It’s a reality that could hit European roads as soon as this year. It offers a glimpse into the exciting direction smart glasses are heading towards.
In recent years, major tech companies have been making significant moves in the smart glasses space. Meta has been selling AI-enabled Ray-Ban glasses, Google is working on building Android XR, and Apple is rumored to enter the market soon. Samsung is reportedly gearing up to unveil its first AI-capable smart glasses in collaboration with Gentle Monster. Huawei, Alibaba, Xiaomi, and other Chinese tech giants are also making strides in this area.
The global shipments of AI glasses have seen a massive surge, reaching 8.7 million units in 2025, with projections to exceed 15 million units this year according to Omdia.
In the midst of this booming industry, suppliers and component makers are positioning themselves for the future. LetinAR, a South Korean startup backed by LG Electronics, has been at the forefront of developing optical technology that could revolutionize the wearable tech market. The company recently secured $18.5 million in funding ahead of its planned IPO in 2027.
LetinAR focuses on creating the optical module that powers smart glasses. This tiny lens component is crucial in delivering sharp, clear images while being lightweight and power-efficient. The company’s technology, known as PinTILT, optimizes the direction of light into the user’s eye, ensuring a brighter image in a thinner, lighter form factor.
Unlike traditional smart lens technologies, PinTILT avoids scattering light in all directions, resulting in a more efficient and battery-friendly solution. This innovation has garnered interest from major players in the industry and positioned LetinAR as a key player in the smart glasses ecosystem.
The company’s modules are already in use by customers like NTT QONOQ Devices and Dynabook, showcasing real-world manufacturing experience. LetinAR is also collaborating with Big Tech companies on next-generation AI glasses, although specifics remain undisclosed.
One of LetinAR’s notable customers is Aegis Rider, a Swiss deeptech company developing an AI-powered AR helmet for motorcycle riders. The helmet displays navigation, speed, and safety alerts directly in the rider’s field of vision, enhancing safety and convenience on the road.
With the latest funding round bringing their total raised amount to $41.7 million, LetinAR is gearing up for the mass production phase of the AI glasses market. CEO Jaehyeok Kim believes that hardware devices like AI glasses are the next frontier in integrating AI into everyday life, opening up endless possibilities for innovation and convenience.