LiPro Vision, originally a research team within the Electronic and Optoelectronic System Research Laboratories of ITRI, was officially established as a company in April 2025. The company focuses on the R&D and design of optical engine modules for AR sports glasses, enabling brands to create next-generation wearable displays with ultra-thin form factors, high brightness, and long battery life. TrendForce had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Yuan-Po Lin, Founder and CEO of LiPro Vision, to discuss the growing demand for AR displays in sports applications and the company’s groundbreaking Metalens Optical Engine (MOE) technology.

Demand for AR Displays in Sports Scenarios
As a triathlon enthusiast, Dr. Lin is keenly aware of the limitations of current sports information devices. He explains that while cyclists often rely on bike computers or smartwatches, it is difficult to continuously monitor key data while riding at high speeds, as looking down each time means taking their eyes off the road — creating a safety hazard. If AR glasses could display real-time performance data directly within the athlete’s field of view, both safety and efficiency would improve significantly. Similarly, for swimmers, checking a smartwatch during strokes interferes with form and performance. LiPro Vision is therefore collaborating with leading sports brands to integrate its MOE module into smart swimming goggles and diving masks, with the first prototype demonstration planned for CES 2026.

Technical Innovation – Metalens Optical Engine (MOE)
LiPro Vision’s MOE features a proprietary two-piece optical architecture combining Quantum NIL’s metalens with a 216 × 216 green Micro LED transparent display. This design enables continuous focus and retinal projection, addressing long-standing issues in traditional AR optics — including the vergence–accommodation conflict and the need for corrective lenses to view information clearly. With a total thickness of only 3 mm, the MOE module dramatically reduces the size and weight compared with conventional waveguide systems, allowing for lightweight and comfortable AR designs. 

Optically, the MOE projects images directly onto the retina through the metalens, avoiding over 99% of optical loss typical in waveguide-based structures. Its optical efficiency exceeds 10%, representing more than a tenfold improvement in brightness while consuming far less power. The module can reach 4,000 nits of peak brightness and, powered by a 180 mAh battery, provides over 8 hours of continuous operation — a combination of brightness, efficiency, and endurance ideal for outdoor athletes.

Diversified Application Scenarios and Market Expansion
Due to its compact optical configuration, the current MOE has a relatively small Eye Box.
In the near term, LiPro Vision is focusing on applications with stable viewing positions, such as smart swimming goggles, diving masks, and ski goggles — scenarios where the optical alignment remains consistent during use. Beyond sports, the company is also actively engaging domestic and international partners in the fields of diving equipment, firefighting gear, and outdoor sports devices, aiming to expand MOE’s adoption across both professional and consumer markets.

Ongoing Innovation and Orientations of Optimization
Although the current product still has areas for improvement — such as visible circuitry, Micro LED light leakage, and the Eye Box limitation — Dr. Lin explained that future investments in materials, optical design, and manufacturing process innovations, supported by external funding, are expected to resolve these challenges. To address the visible circuitry issue, LiPro Vision plans to refine the material composition and production process. For the light leakage caused by the wide emission angle of Micro LEDs, Dr. Lin noted that adding a light shield through structural design on either the Micro LED or the Metalens can effectively mitigate the problem. Regarding the small Eye Box, the R&D team is actively developing related pupil expansion technologies to enhance the user’s visual experience.

Future Outlook
Dr. Lin emphasizes that with breakthroughs in brightness, compactness, and all-day battery life, LiPro Vision’s Metalens Optical Engine has set a new benchmark for AR sports display technology. Moving forward, the company aims to further refine its optical engine platform and collaborate with global partners to deliver smarter, safer, and more immersive AR experiences for athletes worldwide. LiPro Vision plans to showcase its latest innovations and partnership models at CES 2026, continuing its mission to empower the next generation of AR sports eyewear.

Author: Estelle / TrendForce

TrendForce 2025 Near-Eye Display Market Trend and Technology Analysis
Publication Date : 8/29, 2025
Language : Traditional Chinese / English
Format : PDF
Page Number: 168