In a world where cashless transactions and hands-free interfaces collide, the Chinese mainland startup Rokid just raised the bar. On June 17, the company revealed the world’s first smart glasses with built-in payment functions, merging augmented reality (AR) with point-of-sale convenience.
We caught up with Rokid’s founder and CEO, Zhu Mingming, in a wide-ranging interview. He opened up about the technical hurdles of fitting secure payment chips, antennas, and power modules into a slim eyewear frame without compromising comfort or style.
"Designing AR glasses is like solving a 3D puzzle," Zhu explained. "You have to balance processing power, battery life, and heat dissipation, all while keeping the frames light and attractive."
But the breakthrough goes beyond hardware. Zhu highlighted how open-source AI tools are key to making AR accessible across diverse communities. By tapping into shared algorithms and global developer networks, Rokid aims to lower entry barriers, letting more people benefit from immersive applications—from real-time language translation for travelers to virtual tutorials for remote learners.
"Our vision is to bridge the digital divide," Zhu said. "Open-source AI can empower startups worldwide to build new AR experiences without starting from scratch."
Looking ahead, Rokid plans to refine its payment integration and expand its software ecosystem. For young entrepreneurs and digital nomads, these glasses could become a passport to seamless transactions and hands-free insights on the go.
What features would you like to see next in AR eyewear? Share your thoughts below and join the conversation on the future of augmented reality.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
