South Korea’s LetinAR is building optics behind AI glasses

Picture yourself on a motorcycle, speeding at 160 kilometers per hour, when suddenly an arrow appears before you, guiding your next turn. No screens, no distractions—just your helmet and a compact lens. This futuristic vision is not far from reality, with smart glasses poised to hit European roads later this year. In recent years, major technology companies have been making substantial investments in the smart glasses space. Meta has introduced AI-enabled Ray-Ban glasses, while Google is developing Android XR, and Apple is anticipated to join the fray soon. Reports suggest that Samsung is preparing to launch its first AI-capable smart glasses, co-created with Gentle Monster, at an upcoming event in London. Meanwhile, Chinese giants like Huawei, Alibaba, and Xiaomi are also making significant strides in this area. The market dynamics reflect this growing momentum, with Omdia reporting a surge in global AI glasses shipments to an estimated 8.7 million units in 2025, marking a staggering increase of over 300% from the previous year. Analysts predict that this figure will exceed 15 million units within this year alone. Among the key players in this evolving landscape is LetinAR, a South Korean startup that has dedicated the last decade to developing the optical technology essential for making these smart glasses a reality. Recently, the company secured $18.5 million in funding from Korea Development Bank and Lotte Ventures, as it prepares for a planned IPO in 2027. LG Electronics, a previous investor, has also begun working on its own AI smart glasses, signaling a serious commitment to this emerging category. Founded in 2016 by childhood friends CEO Jaehyeok Kim and CTO Jeonghun Ha, LetinAR focuses on creating the optical module—a crucial component that dictates the functionality of smart glasses. This tiny lens element is responsible for projecting images into the user's line of sight and is pivotal in transforming sci-fi concepts into everyday wearables. As Ha explains, the challenge lies in producing a lens that is lightweight, slender, and energy-efficient while still delivering clear visuals. Achieving this balance is the engineering hurdle that the entire industry faces. Kim envisions AI glasses as the next major technological platform, with the optical module being the most complex element to perfect. The startup's innovative technology, known as PinTILT, strategically arranges tiny optical components within the lens to direct light precisely to the user’s eyes instead of dispersing it wastefully. This method contrasts with traditional approaches, which often result in bulkier designs and less efficient light usage, leading to dimmer images and quicker battery depletion. LetinAR's PinTILT aims to eliminate these drawbacks, promising brighter visuals in a more compact and energy-efficient format. LetinAR is already gaining traction in the market, collaborating with companies such as Japan's NTT QONOQ Devices and Dynabook. The company is also engaged in discussions with major tech firms on research and development for next-generation AI glasses. One standout project involves Aegis Rider, a Swiss company developing an AI-powered AR helmet that provides real-time navigation and safety alerts directly in the rider's field of vision. This innovative helmet aims to launch in the EU and Swiss markets in 2026. With its latest funding round bringing its total investment to $41.7 million, LetinAR is poised to scale up as the market transitions from niche interest to widespread adoption. Kim notes that hardware innovations like AI glasses will play a crucial role in integrating AI into everyday life.