Display Technology
Compact projection displays enabling the next wave of AR and AI glasses
CIE talks with Dr. Jörg Reitterer, CTO, and Mario Spiegl, CCO, at TriLite Technologies about the latest developments in displays for smart glasses
From voice-only to visually intelligent wearables
Smart glasses are evolving fast. Early AI- enabled models focused on voice assistants for simplicity and hands-free control. While effective for short commands, voice alone struggles when information is complex, time-sensitive, or location-dependent. Visual overlays are emerging as the next essential step, providing context directly in the wearer’s line of sight.
For this shift to succeed, displays must be small, light, bright, and energy-efficient enough for all-day wear — without compromising design. Austrian deep-tech company TriLite is tackling this with its Trixel 3 Cube, an ultra-compact projection display designed for consumer AR eyewear and select automotive applications.
We spoke with Dr. Jörg Reitterer, co- founder and CTO, and Mario Spiegl, chief commercial officer, about the technology trends shaping the market and the role compact projection systems can play.
CIE: The Trixel 3 Cube has been described as the world’s smallest projection display. What was the driving force behind its design? Dr. Jörg Reitterer: We wanted to make AR eyewear genuinely practical for everyday use. That meant achieving high brightness and image quality in a form factor small enough to fit seamlessly into fashionable frames. The Trixel 3 Cube measures around 1 cm³, weighs under 1.5 g, and does not require relay optics. This simplifies integration for OEMs and helps preserve design freedom. With a power draw below 145 mW, it supports all-day operation — a key factor for consumer acceptance.
CIE: Why is display technology becoming so critical for AI glasses now?
Mario Spiegl: Voice interaction is useful, but limited. It works for quick tasks like setting reminders or making calls, but it’s
18 September 2025
Dr. Jörg Reitterer (left) Mario Spiegl (right)
less effective when users need to process information instantly — for example, following directions in a busy street or reading a translated sign.
The human brain processes visual data far faster than verbal descriptions. A simple visual overlay can reduce cognitive load, improve response times, and make interaction more intuitive. Advances in projection technology now make it possible to deliver those overlays in glasses people actually want to wear.
CIE: What are the main design considerations when integrating projection displays into AR eyewear? Dr. Jörg Reitterer: The primary consideration is precise optical coupling with the waveguide or combiner, to ensure efficient light output and accurate image placement. Our software- defined architecture allows us to adapt to
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different optical designs without changing the hardware, which speeds up development. The Cube’s compact geometry is another advantage. It allows the hinge to be placed closer to the lenses, improving both comfort and aesthetics — something industrial designers consistently value.
CIE: Beyond consumer eyewear, where is this technology gaining traction? Mario Spiegl: Automotive is a significant opportunity. The same strengths — compactness, brightness, and energy efficiency — are valuable for head-up displays, adaptive ground projections, and interactive interiors.
For example, exterior projections can guide pedestrians around a reversing car or indicate its intended path. Inside,
projections could display contextual information on a window or create ambient lighting effects. The modular design of the Trixel 3 makes it easier to meet the safety, durability, and integration requirements of automotive systems.
CIE: How does TriLite address operational robustness for such Dr. Jörg Reitterer: The Trixel 3 Cube operates from –10 °C to +50 °C and tolerates the humidity and vibration levels common in consumer electronics. In automotive environments, where temperatures can be more extreme, we can add cooling solutions. Safety is built into the architecture. We have internal shut-off mechanisms that activate if parameters deviate from set limits, and the system can connect to external safety
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