TDK demos smart glasses that project images directly onto the retina

TDK has demonstrated a prototype of smart glasses with a direct retinal projection (DRP) display: an image from an ultra-compact full-color laser module bounces off a meta-optic mirror made of nanoscale reflectors and enters the wearer's eye. The image is currently monochrome; TDK promises full-color operation and mass production within the next few years. The demo will be shown at Japan's CEATEC 2026 conference.

• Image is projected from the glasses' bows via a meta-optic mirror directly onto the retina
• The mirror of nanoscale reflectors is nearly transparent and invisible to the wearer
• Only a monochrome image is demonstrated so far
• Full-color operation and mass production promised within the next few years