More than Meets the Eye: Bosch Smartglasses

Bosch, a company we already love for home appliances and tools, has developed a way to turn any pair of generic spectacles into smartglasses.

“The Bosch Smartglasses Light Drive module is a sole source, all-in-one technology stack consisting of MEMS mirrors, optical elements, sensors and onboard processing,” the company said in a release. “This integrated solution delivers a clean visual experience with bright images that are always in focus – even in direct sunlight.”

At CES 2020 in Las Vegas, Bosch Sensortec will launch an innovative optical Light Drive system for smartglasses.

While Google has Glass, Vuzix has Blade, and Epson as ARtGlass – just to name a few – Bosch will not be manufacturing Smartglasses.

Bosch will be partnering with eyeglass manufacturers to give you a personal heads-up display while being virtually indistinguishable from a regular pair of glasses, and adding very little weight.

Bosch Smartglasses show heads up display shopping list

Bosch is building a reference design that won’t impact privacy, will be smaller, and will have better battery life than other systems because it does not include a camera. Instead, Bosch is focusing on digital awareness while staying in real-world contexts.

More than Meets the Eye: Bosch Light Drive smartlgasses detailed

“By eliminating distracting phone usage, smartglasses can help improve driving safety and reduce the impulse of users to constantly check their mobile devices for notifications or messages.”

Bosch says its new Light Drive boasts a 30-percent reduction in depth compared to rival systems on the market. Depending on how it’s integrated, it’s typically 45-75 mm long, 5-10 mm high, and 8 mm wide; it weighs under 10 grams. As a result, it’s far easier to squeeze into the arm of a typical pair of glasses or sunglasses, without leaving the whole assembly hopelessly bulky.

The system uses a light beam which scans a holographic element embedded in the lens of the glasses, which is then redirected on to the human retina. As a result, Bosch says the holographic menu that appears in front of the user’s eyes is always in focus and private.

Bosch smartglasses used for HUD directions

Look for these smartglasses to roll out 2021 in three tiers.

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