Make no mistake, smart glasses aren't devices from sci-fi movies anymore. They've been very much present on the market for more than 10 years with many useful applications in research, medicine, and industry. And the importance of this technology rises rapidly every year as more and more companies implement smart glasses into everyday processes. Let's see why.
What are smart glasses?
First things first - have you ever wondered what makes some glasses "smart"? The short answer is: "technology."
Smart glasses are high-tech eyewear with computational power. Other vital components of most glasses are a display that shows you important information and various sensors/cameras that track information about your body position and surroundings.
The first smart glasses appeared decades ago, but it wasn't until the beginning of 2010s that this technology became widely available outside tech labs and military bases. In the past few years, this market segment has been growing rapidly, and smart glasses have become utilized in many companies on a daily basis. As their popularity increased, new solutions emerged, and in 2024 the smart glasses market reached a value of USD 6.2 billion.
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Tip! Read more about popular technologies used in smart glasses - aR, AR, VR & MR.
Why are smart glasses becoming popular?
As the technology of smart glasses improved, these devices started to prove themselves useful in more and more situations. Nowadays, smart glasses are a welcomed tool in many industrial companies.
Why? They offer:
- Hands-free operation - Some professions require the employee to have both hands available for their work tasks. With smart glasses on, the workers can use company systems, such as Lumnio, hands-free. That saves time and improves work efficiency. Moreover, smart glasses are often safer to use than tablets or phones, which need to be manipulated by hand.
- Precision and efficiency benefits - Easy availability of useful data has a positive impact on speeding up the processes and unnecessary task elimination. Smart glasses can also be used to avoid mistakes and to get any missing information while on-site, e.g., during inspections.
- Remote assistance - Many smart glasses have inbuilt headphones and a microphone, so they can serve as a quick communication tool with one's colleagues. Moreover, smart glasses are usually equipped with both display and cameras, which allow the employee to make video calls and share visual information while in the field.
- Technical know-how sharing - With Lumnio, a senior technician can use his smart glasses to record workflow from his point of view. Later, he turns the recordings into training materials which can then be displayed by a newcomer in his smart glasses (or a tablet).
Which smart glasses are the best choice?
Do you consider purchasing smart glasses? Choose the device model wisely. Remember, there is no right choice for everyone. Always keep in mind the needs of your team and ask these important questions:
- What is going to be the main purpose of the smart glasses? Consider a typical workday of a future device wearer. Think about the necessary product functions he needs for his job. Moreover, are there any comfort/security features your glasses need to have?
- What about possible integrations? If you plan to use your smart glasses in combination with specific software (e.g., company system), be sure to check their compatibility. Also, bear in mind the device's compatibility with any physical equipment your employees use, such as safety helmets.
- What kind of work conditions do your employees work in? Some work environments can be harsh on electronic devices (because of humidity, dustiness, etc.), so look for smart glasses that are suitable for such conditions.
Addressing those key points can narrow down the list of available devices for you. Of course, there are other factors to consider - price, product availability, or type of technology the glasses use. If you need more assistance with the selection process, read our great comparison of smart glasses.
