AI glasses are shedding their “concept gadget” label and gearing up for large-scale commercial adoption, driven by advances in multimodal perception, spatial computing, and micro-display technologies. According to IDC, global shipments could surpass 10 million units in 2025, positioning AI glasses as the most promising consumer electronics category since smartphones.
At the forefront of this momentum, the newly established World Artificial Intelligence Eyewear Alliance (WAEA) aims to unify the fragmented AI glasses ecosystem—from chips and optical modules to content and applications—into a cohesive, standardized global framework.
“The next-generation computing platform will be based on multimodal perception and centred on spatial intelligence, realizing the seamless integration of the digital world and physical space through lightweight, all-weather AI glasses,” said Peng Lihui, VP and Secretary-General of the China Electronics Chamber of Commerce.
The WAEA, launched at a summit hosted by the Shenzhen Flat Panel Display Industry Association, brought together leading figures including Sun Xiaowei, Foreign Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences; Liu Huanming, VP of the Shenzhen Flat Panel Display Industry Association; and Harley Seyedin, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in South China. The alliance’s mission revolves around five pillars: a global exhibition hub, industrial research and standard-setting, global network cooperation, market promotion and brand empowerment, and an expert advisory committee.
Technological progress was a major focus of the summit. Sun Xiaowei highlighted breakthroughs in AR optical waveguides and optical engine tech, while Zhang Wengang of the World Ultra HD Video Industry Alliance discussed how UHD audiovisual standards are driving global industrial upgrades. Cui Haitao, founder of Gudong Intelligence, outlined the evolution and future trajectory of AR glasses displays.
Roundtable discussions brought together leaders from industry, academia, research, application, and investment to debate critical issues. Key themes included “Scenario Expansion, Value Enhancement—From General-Purpose AI Glasses to Vertical Scenario Implementation” and “Industrial Synergy, Ecological Prosperity—Global Vision and Chinese Practice in the XR Industry.” The exchanges underscored the need for cross-sector collaboration to accelerate commercialization and global adoption.
The convergence of technology maturation and organized industry effort suggests AI glasses are no longer just an experimental novelty—they’re on the cusp of reshaping how humans interact with digital information. For the global XR and consumer electronics markets, the WAEA’s standardization efforts could be the catalyst that turns fragmented innovation into a robust, scalable industry.
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