Smartphones have all but taken over our lives, with smartwatches coming a close second. Could AI-enhanced smart glasses be the next big innovation? 

Dr. John Fan, Founder of Kopin Corporation, explored this during our “CEO 123 Tell Me More” talk on 23 October, addressing the impending “intelligence revolution” and its transformative potential.

According to Fan, AI is on the brink of matching human intelligence, driven by advancements in processing speed and cognitive capabilities. This evolution could reshape industries, particularly knowledge-based sectors. “It will change all businesses and society, affecting everyone’s lives,” he said.

As algorithms evolve from following human instructions to making autonomous decisions, Fan predicts that Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) will emerge within a decade, surpassing human capabilities. While some view AI with trepidation – like a genie unleashed – Fan sees it as a tool that can be harnessed to enhance our day-to-day activities. 

One exciting application is smart glasses, which allow hands-free access to the internet, streamlining decision-making and simplifying our lives. They feature detachable frames for various styles, from everyday eyewear to sports sunglasses, allowing users to switch looks. 

“It is essential for smart glasses to be light and comfortable. That’s why we moved from the United States to Hong Kong. As an eyeglass manufacturing hub with all relevant technology in place, the city is perfectly positioned to develop smart glasses business,” Fan explained, noting support from the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks (HKSTP) as a key factor for setting up here.

Member then enjoyed a demonstration by Kenny Cheung, President of Solos Technology Limited, who showed us how these sleek glasses – indistinguishable from regular eyewear – seamlessly integrate with an AI system and smartphones. With features like real-time translation and instant answers to questions ranging from local weather to plant identification, smart glasses could represent the next frontier in personal assistance technology.

“Whether you like it or not, the AI era is coming,” said Fan. “We should not view AI as competition; instead, we need to collaborate with it. I believe we will adapt to this new technology, just as we did during the Industrial Revolution and the rise of the internet.”