South Korea’s LetinAR is building optics behind AI glasses

2026-05-18 · Source: AI News & Artificial Intelligence | TechCrunch · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Emerging Technologies & Innovation, Internet of Things (IoT) & Connected Devices · Depth: Intermediate, quick

Summary

Global shipments of AI-powered smart glasses are rapidly increasing, surging to 8.7 million units in 2025, a 300% increase from the previous year, with projections to exceed 15 million units this year. Major tech companies like Meta, Google, Apple, Samsung, Huawei, Alibaba, and Xiaomi are actively developing or releasing AI-enabled smart glasses. South Korean startup LetinAR, backed by LG Electronics, has secured $18.5 million in funding, bringing its total raised to $41.7 million, ahead of a planned 2027 IPO. LetinAR specializes in developing advanced optical modules, specifically its PinTILT technology, which aims to solve the industry's challenge of creating thin, light, power-efficient lenses that deliver bright, clear images for smart glasses. Its modules are already in use by customers like NTT QONOQ Devices, Dynabook, and Aegis Rider, a Swiss company developing an AI-powered AR motorcycle helmet.

Key takeaway

For entrepreneurs and product developers in the wearable tech space, the rapid growth in AI glasses shipments signals a maturing market. Your focus should be on integrating advanced optical solutions like LetinAR's PinTILT to overcome the critical challenges of form factor, image clarity, and battery life. Prioritizing these core hardware innovations will be essential for creating mass-market appeal and competitive differentiation in this evolving sector.

Key insights

Advanced optical modules are critical for making AI smart glasses truly wearable and power-efficient.

Principles

• Optical efficiency dictates battery life.
• Miniaturization is key for mass adoption.

Method

PinTILT technology directs light precisely into the eye using tiny optical elements, avoiding light scattering common in waveguide displays and bulkiness of birdbath systems.

In practice

• Integrate PinTILT for brighter, thinner lenses.
• Prioritize power-efficient optical designs.

Topics

• LetinAR
• PinTILT Technology
• AI Glasses Optics
• Augmented Reality Helmets
• Wearable AI

Best for: Entrepreneur, AI Engineer, AI Product Manager, Investor

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by AI News & Artificial Intelligence | TechCrunch.