Pearl River Delta's Small AI Eyewear Brands Boost Growth via Partnerships and Innovation

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Small and medium-sized manufacturers of AI-powered smart glasses in China’s Pearl River Delta are experiencing rapid growth despite fierce competition. These companies are actively partnering with brand collaborators to accelerate expansion and are launching their own self-developed products that are already seeing strong sales.

“If we only sell our own products, we would face much greater financial strain,” said Yan Pengfei, the general manager of Dongguan Antavic Technology. As an original design manufacturer (ODM) for AI eyewear based in southern China’s economic hub, the company is engaging with both business and consumer ODM clients to expand its contract manufacturing scale.

Antavic, which is constructing a new factory in Dongguan, hosted four significant clients at its Shenzhen office during the interview. One of its products, an AI translation eyewear device priced at CNY119 (approximately USD16), performed well during this year’s Double 11 shopping event on Douyin Mall.

Yan noted that there are approximately six to eight small and medium-sized firms in the Pearl River Delta capable of developing AI eyewear. All are seeking collaborations with brand owners to achieve mutual growth.

Smaller manufacturers like Antavic are highly flexible and have relatively low R&D costs. Developing new AI glasses typically requires an investment of under CNY10 million (around USD1.41 million), with the ability to refresh designs every six months.

For example, in July, Antavic released a pair of AI glasses featuring translation and navigation functions priced at CNY599 (USD85). Monthly shipments of this model have exceeded 20,000 units. The company now plans to introduce a new version priced at CNY399 (USD57) in early December, with enhanced AI translation and navigation capabilities compared to the previous model.

Local chip manufacturers have become increasingly sophisticated, offering more affordable and higher-value options for both AI eyewear brands and manufacturers. For instance, the upcoming AI camera glasses from a Guangzhou-based supplier will utilize chips from local producer Anyka Microelectronics.

According to a market research firm’s report, 2026 is projected to be a pivotal year for China’s smart glasses industry, with major shifts anticipated in product design, user interaction, and service models.