As smart glasses rapidly evolve to integrate AI processors, advanced cameras, sensors, and high-resolution AR displays, so thermal management has become a major design constraint. Total device power (TDP) is increasing from today’s 0.5–1W levels to beyond 2W, which is driving significant heat into the frame materials that rest directly on the skin.
Conventional passive heat sinking has struggled to maintain safe and comfortable surface temperatures for devices worn directly on the face for extended periods.
xMEMS µCooling looks to address this by delivering localised, precision-controlled active cooling from inside the glasses frame itself – without affecting either the form factor or aesthetics.
“Heat in smart glasses is more than a performance issue; it directly affects user comfort and safety,” said Mike Housholder, VP of Marketing at xMEMS Labs. “xMEMS’ µCooling technology is the only active solution small, thin, and light enough to integrate directly into the limited volume of the eyewear frame, actively managing surface temperatures to enable true all-day wearability.”
Thermal modelling and physical verification of µCooling in smart glasses operating at 1.5W TDP has demonstrated 60–70% improvement in power overhead (allowing up to 0.6W additional thermal margin); up to a 40% reduction in system temperatures, and up to a 75% reduction in thermal resistance.
These improvements mean cooler skin contact surfaces, improved user comfort, sustained system performance, and long-term product reliability – critical enablers for next-generation AI glasses designed for all-day wear.
µCooling’s solid-state, piezoMEMS architecture contains no motors, no bearings, and no mechanical wear, delivering silent, vibration-free, maintenance-free operation with long-term reliability. Its compact footprint – as small as 9.3 x 7.6 x 1.13mm – allows it to fit discreetly within space-constrained frame designs.
µCooling samples for XR smart glasses designs are available now, with volume production planned for Q1 2026.
