In order to better understand the requirements that customers have of such data glasses, the two companies have developed use cases in a developer program with more than 40 partners from industry, trade and science over the past few months. "The diverse and also economically promising development projects have confirmed to us that there will be a market for smart glasses, both for business and end customers," says Christian Stangier, Senior Vice President Connected Devices at Deutsche Telekom. "The scenarios range from logistics and maintenance to fitness and health applications."

As part of the partnership, Zeiss is providing its optical system for fully integrated, easy-to-wear glasses that can be produced in a variety of designs, as well as its many years of experience with imaging systems that are worn close to the eye. The optics for smart glasses have already been used in the developer program and will be further developed in the coming months, building on complementary technologies such as microdisplays and electronics. "The aim for data glasses that are accepted by business and consumers is optical brilliance, unobtrusive usability and, of course, simple, everyday use that offers the user tangible added value," says Dr. Ulrich Simon, Head of Group Function Research and Technology at Zeiss. Whenever both hands need to be free and images, data and communications need to be available at the same time, data glasses are seen as useful. "This can be in logistics, but also during surgery, when the doctor needs a lot of individually selected information and still has to concentrate fully on the operation. In retail, individual shopping experiences can be created, but everyday applications such as navigation or social media can also be used with data glasses without having to reach for a smartphone."

Technology convergence and connectivity

Good connectivity is essential for the market success of smart glasses. Edge computing could be used to outsource the necessary technology from the smart glasses to the cloud. In order for the functions of the glasses to be used without delay, low network response times are a prerequisite. This is achieved by sending the data to servers that are as close as possible and responding from there. In the case of data glasses, the computing power is not in the glasses, but in the cloud. This makes the device itself smaller, lighter, less hot and significantly extends the battery life - and of course also multiplies the number of possible applications.

"If we want to experience real-time applications in the future, we need connectivity with a cloud that is available everywhere. This is the only way we can guarantee a super-fast response time," says Christian Stangier. "We are convinced that smart glasses will play a major role in the future. Edge computing technology is an essential step in helping data glasses achieve a breakthrough."

"We want - and this connects us with many developers, start-ups and companies - to understand more precisely how data glasses work in a complex ecosystem," says Dr. Ulrich Simon. kp