On September 26, the 101 SmartHub AI eyewear experience center (hereinafter referred to as "101 SmartHub") opened at the RAIL IN shopping mall in Shenzhen Bay. Leveraging a standardized service framework—encompassing professional optometry, hardware inspection and repair, and continuous OTA updates—101 SmartHub has established a comprehensive business ecosystem integrating "immersive experience, professional sales, and ongoing service" to address the "last-mile" challenges facing the AI eyewear consumer market.

101 SmartHub is a joint initiative by the Shenzhen AI Glasses Industry Alliance, Asia Optical, and Shenzhen Enterprise Service Group. It has attracted leading brands from across the industry chain, with products spanning diverse sectors such as translation, sports, media viewing, industrial applications, and visual impairment assistance. These offerings cater to varied market segments, including consumer entertainment, industrial inspection, and professional outdoor activities.

Lin Hui, a member of the Standing Committee of the Shenzhen Municipal People's Congress, Secretary of the Joint Party Committee of the Shenzhen Entrepreneurs Association (Shenshanghui), and Chairperson of Shenzhen Enterprise Service Group, stated that leveraging the opportunity provided by the APEC meeting held in Shenzhen, the group will support 101 SmartHub in establishing a national integrated center for AI glasses—encompassing exhibition, service, and innovation functions.

Chen Hanqing, Chairman of Asia Optical, noted that the company would combine the strengths of the Shenzhen AI Glasses Industry Alliance and Shenzhen Enterprise Service Group to transform 101 SmartHub into an integrated experience center connecting manufacturers, end-users, and technology. The goal is to create a seamless business ecosystem serving consumers, government agencies, and corporate clients alike.

Unlike traditional single-brand retail stores, 101 SmartHub moves beyond the logic of merely selling individual products. It directly addresses key industry pain points, using a "tangible, informative, and experiential" approach to overcome the barriers to consumer understanding of AI glasses in physical retail settings.

Kou Ningyan, Secretary-General of the Shenzhen AI Glasses Industry Alliance and a Director and Deputy General Manager of Shenzhen Enterprise Service Group, explained that the team conducted extensive research into the factors consumers prioritize when buying eyewear. They aim to empower brands at the retail level by creating consumer-centric scenarios that meet needs throughout the entire service journey—from initial product exploration and perception to pre-purchase, purchase, and after-sales support.

"The smart glasses industry is booming, and no single brand can represent the entire product category," said Li Ye, Head of Global Talent and Strategic Cooperation at NIMO. By bringing together numerous brands and product types in one location, 101 SmartHub enables the public to fully grasp the genuine needs of different user groups across various scenarios. This not only fosters industry growth but also helps companies in niche segments refine their product designs. Furthermore, the physical store serves as a channel for gathering customer feedback, which in turn informs product iteration and improvement.

Source: Science and Technology Daily | Reporter: Luo Yunpen