Lumus Launches Z-30 Optical Engine to Enable Smaller and Lighter AR Devices

In Augmented Reality News 

January 29, 2025 – Lumus, a developer of geometric waveguide technology for augmented reality (AR) eyewear, has this week announced the introduction of its Z-30 optical engine. Featuring the company’s Z-Lens 2D waveguide architecture and a smaller field-of-view (30 degrees), the Z-30 is designed to fit seamlessly within standard glasses sizes, and offers “major functional and aesthetic benefits,” according to Lumus.

“We’re firmly committed to building optical engines for a diverse set of AR glasses designs and use cases, and the announcement of Z-30 specifically addresses what the entry-level consumer market needs,” said Lumus CEO Ari Grobman. “Our solution features the same best-in-class image quality as the Z-50 but with a smaller field-of-view, which makes integration within standard glasses form factors easy. The design also extends device battery life, ultimately paving the way for broader widespread consumer adoption.”

Lumus stated that with Z-30, important performance aspects of AR glasses are optimized to improve the user experience. For example, glasses that feature an integrated Z-30 optical engine will require lower processing requirements and less powerful hardware thanks to having fewer pixels to render, which makes them more affordable to produce.

The company also noted that devices with a mid-sized field-of-view also operate more efficiently, which helps for creating a smoother visual experience, extending battery life, and ultimately making them more compatible for long-term consumer use.

The lightweight Z-30 weighs 14.5g and offers full color, 720 x 720 pixels resolution, as well as a brightness of >3,000 nits/Watt, according to Lumus. Furthermore, with a 50% reduction in weight and volume compared to the Z-50, the Z-30 enables the creation of even smaller form factors for AR glasses.

“Offering a mid-range field of view option for consumer glasses grants major aesthetic benefits; manufacturers can build even smaller form factors that appeal to a consumer audience, and wearers will feel like they are wearing standard glasses and not clunky devices,” added Grobman.

The Z-30 optical engine integrates Lumus’ Z-Lens waveguide architecture, which allows for smaller projector designs while still offering a high level of image quality. It also enables flexible positioning of the eye-box, reduced world ghost effects, and the possibility for direct bonding of Rx lenses or protective plastic elements. Additional benefits of the Z-Lens waveguide architecture include compatibility with microLED projectors, enabling slimmer and more power efficient design options, according to the company.

“We are expanding our product portfolio to offer solutions for all AR applications and product specifications, from immersive gaming and entertainment to data snacking,” Grobman concluded. “The introduction of the Z-30 optical engine gives manufacturers the tools they need to appeal to mainstream markets.”

For more information on Lumus and its geometric waveguide technology for AR eyewear, please visit the company’s website.

Image credit: Lumus

About the author

Sam Sprigg

Sam is the Founder and Managing Editor of Auganix. With a background in research and report writing, he has been covering XR industry news for the past seven years.