China's first immersive experience center dedicated to a wide range of AI glasses opened in Shenzhen on Sept. 26, offering consumers a one-stop space to explore, purchase and receive services for smart eyewear.
The 1O1 SmartHub AI Glasses Center, located at the Shenzhen Bay RAIL IN shopping mall in Nanshan District, integrates exhibition, sales and services. It brings together products covering translation, sports, entertainment, industrial applications, and assistance for people with visual or hearing impairments.
A customer tries a pair of sports AI glasses at the center on Sept. 26. Courtesy of the event organizers
The center was jointly developed by the Shenzhen AI Glasses Industry Alliance, Asian Glasses and Shenzhen Enterprise Service Group. Leading brands including ZEISS, iFLYTEK, VITURE and NIMO have joined the platform, showcasing different approaches to AI-powered eyewear.
Unlike single-brand stores, the center focuses on real-world applications. Its four functional areas include a scenario-based experience zone, a consumer product zone, a multi-purpose salon and an after-sales service area. Visitors can try AI glasses in settings designed around business translation, outdoor activities, home life, audiovisual entertainment and industrial applications.
Lin Hui, chairwoman of Shenzhen Enterprise Service Group, said Shenzhen is a hub for technological innovation and the development of new quality productive forces. "We will support 1O1 SmartHub in becoming an integrated exhibition, service and innovation center for AI glasses nationwide," she said.
People visit the 1O1 SmartHub AI Glasses Center in Nanshan District on Sept. 26.
The center also aims to address a key challenge facing the emerging industry: helping consumers understand what AI glasses can actually do. Rather than focusing solely on product specifications, users can experience different functions and compare products from multiple brands in one location.
Professional services are another part of the model. The center provides optometry, customized lens fitting, hardware testing and repair, and ongoing software updates, creating a service chain from product selection to after-sales support.
Beyond retail, 1O1 SmartHub is designed as an industry collaboration platform connecting manufacturers, technology developers, research institutions, investors and service providers. It plans to host technology discussions, developer exchanges, research cooperation and new-product launches.
The center also aims to serve as a showcase for China's AI wearable technology during Shenzhen's hosting of the APEC meetings this year, providing overseas visitors and business representatives with an opportunity to experience the latest AI glasses.
Starting in Shenzhen, the project is expected to expand to other major Chinese cities and eventually establish a nationwide network of more than 30 stores, creating a new offline model for the commercialization and wider adoption of AI glasses.
