Lumus Showcases Smaller, Brighter Z-30 AR Engine at AWE 2025
- Lumus debuts its updated Z-30 optical engine with a smaller projector, higher brightness, and improved power efficiency.
- The Z-30 and immersive Z-50 models are being demonstrated at AWE 2025, reflecting major gains in outdoor-capable AR performance.
Lumus has unveiled an enhanced version of its Z-30 optical engine at AWE 2025 in Long Beach, California. The updated model features a significantly miniaturized projector and promises up to 7,000 nits/Watt in luminance efficiency, supporting all-day AR use even in direct sunlight. Built on the company's Z-Lens waveguide architecture, the Z-30 offers a 30-degree field-of-view and is designed for seamless integration into standard eyeglass frames.
CEO Ari Grobman described the Z-30 as "more than ready for mass-market consumer glasses," citing its compact size and efficiency. Lumus says the optical engine supports everyday AR applications including navigation, messaging, and real-time translation, all within a discreet, glasses-like design. The company positions Z-30 as a critical step toward mainstream wearable AR.
"Lumus is building the optical foundation for the AR glasses era," said Ari Grobman, CEO of Lumus, in an official press release. "From compact optical engines to wide field-of-view for next-gen immersion, we offer optical engines for every design application – and we're just getting started. As the demand for more capable, more wearable AR systems grows, our optical engines and manufacturing capabilities are already aligned with what comes next."
Also on display is the Z-50, Lumus' high-performance optical engine with a 50-degree field-of-view tailored for immersive use cases. The company is highlighting broader progress in brightness, power consumption, and form factor, key challenges it aims to overcome with its latest technologies.
🌀 Tom’s Take:
Brigtness, power consumption, and form factor are absolutely the right factors to iterate on when it comes to optics for smart glasses. If we are to expect that these wearables will feel like everyday glasses, they need to be fashionable and comfortable on the face. But style will be the last thing on a user's mind if the device they commit to wearing can't make it throughout the day.
Source: PR Newswire / Lumus
