As in-vehicle displays grow larger and more numerous, automotive HMI (Human–Machine Interface) is facing another turning point. The information display methods, which have evolved around instrument panels, center displays, and HUDs, are now expected to expand into driver wearable personal devices—specifically, AI smart glasses.

Recently, as the AI glasses market is expected to expand, participating companies are gradually increasing. From existing smart glasses manufacturers to internet companies and smartphone makers, even Chinese firms like Xiaomi, Li Auto, and Geely Auto subsidiaries are positioning AI smart glasses as part of the vehicle ecosystem.

In 2024, BMW showcased technology at CES that enhances the driving experience using XREAL Air 2 augmented reality glasses. This product can display navigation instructions, hazard warnings, entertainment content, and charging station information. In June this year, Xiaomi launched its first AI smart glasses capable of linking with automotive devices. Xiaomi views AI glasses as an extension of its ‘Human × Car × Home’ strategy, linking smartphones, IoT, and electric vehicles. In August, Geely announced its AI technology would be fully applied to the vehicle smart cabin sector. Geely acquired Meizu to establish DreamSmart company. Geely is pursuing a strategy to connect its vehicle OS and extend the vehicle display experience externally. In 2023 and 2024, DreamSmart released three types of AR glasses that can be linked to vehicles through its system. Geely also invested in LEDoS micro-display company JBD in 2024. In November this year, GAC Motor jointly conducted an ‘AI smart glasses + vehicle’ application test with Rokid. In December, Li Auto officially launched its first AI glasses, ‘Livis’, having reportedly been advancing its AI glasses project since 2024. According to the announcement, ‘Livis’ core functionality includes seamless integration with the car system. A light touch upon entering the vehicle completes the initial pairing, enabling automatic connection thereafter. It also supports voice commands to control vehicle functions like the air conditioner and heated steering wheel.

Li Auto’s first AI glasses ‘Livis’, seamlessly integrated with vehicle systems for voice control and information display. (Source: lixiang.com)

Realistically, AI glasses are unlikely to replace instrument panels or HUDs in the short term. This is because numerous challenges remain, including potential visual obstruction during driving, safety regulations, and fatigue from prolonged wear. Accordingly, the proposed usage scenarios could be as follows.

First, as a supplementary display to the HUD, showing only limited information like navigation directions, basic driving data, and warning alerts to minimize eye movement.

Second, as an AI voice-centric auxiliary interface. The emphasis is on controlling vehicle functions through voice commands and simple visual feedback rather than visual information.

Third, usage focused on specific situations. Limited scenarios like traffic jams, parking, activities outside the vehicle, or checking information during non-driving situations are priority application targets.

This approach suggests AI glasses are more likely to first establish themselves as auxiliary devices rather than the ‘primary vehicle display’.

The widespread adoption of AI glasses in vehicles ultimately depends on the maturity of the technology. The core challenge lies in micro-display technology, where improvements are still needed in power efficiency, cost, and mass-production stability. Another critical condition is deep integration with the vehicle OS and AI. As the Software Defined Vehicle (SDV) environment expands, AI glasses can link in real-time with vehicle sensors, navigation, and ADAS data. In this scenario, AI glasses could evolve beyond simple information displays into ‘personalized HMI nodes’ providing context-aware information to drivers. In the future, advancements in AI interaction technology and computing power are expected to transform smart glasses from mere accessories dependent on vehicle display devices into ‘AI assistants’.

Namdeog Kim, Senior Analyst at UBI Research (ndkim@ubiresearch.com)

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