Smart glasses, voice pendants, haptic gloves and exoskeletons are moving from demos into daily work and life. Track what is real, then compare devices on The Humanoid Group.
Smart glasses are pulling wearables into the mainstream.
33.5% growth in global XR device shipments forecast for 2026 (IDC, 2026)
Meta widens its glasses lineup, from camera-free audio frames to VR glasses
· Launch
At Connect 2026, Meta released Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 at $449 and opened orders for camera-free Ray-Ban Meta Audio at $349, shipping October 13. Meta Ray-Ban Display reaches Germany, France and Italy from €899, and lightweight Meta VR Glasses arrive next spring for $1,300.
Why it matters: One maker now spans audio-only frames to display glasses and compact VR. Buyers have to match the tier to the job, including whether a camera is welcome at all in their workplace.
IDC counts 3.5 million smart eyewear units shipped in the second quarter
· Market
IDC says global smart eyewear shipments reached 3.547 million units in Q2 2026, up 35.3% on the year. Audio and camera glasses made up 2.494 million, AR glasses 505,000, while VR and MR headsets fell 23.3% to 548,000. China shipments declined 8% in the quarter.
Why it matters: Glasses people can wear all day are outselling immersive headsets. Teams planning training or field-support programs should expect more choice and faster model turnover in lightweight eyewear than in headsets.
Hypershell unveils Halo, a consumer exoskeleton powering both hips and knees
· Launch
Unveiled at IFA 2026, Hypershell's Halo drives four hip and knee joints as one system. It weighs 2.6 kg, delivers 1,490 W peak power and covers up to 20 km per charge. A 200-unit Origin Edition costs $2,299, with deliveries planned for November 2026.
Why it matters: Consumer exoskeletons are moving past hip-only assist toward full-leg support. Fit, weight and battery range differ widely between models, so a side-by-side check against the terrain and distance matters before buying.
Safe listening devices and systems: a WHO-ITU standard— World Health Organization and International Telecommunication Union. WHO-ITU recommendations for personal audio devices, such as sound-exposure tracking and volume limits.
Deafness and hearing loss fact sheet— World Health Organization. WHO figures on hearing loss worldwide and the case for hearing care, screening and safe listening.
Equipment Type Approval (ETA)— Wireless Planning & Coordination Wing, Department of Telecommunications. DoT page on equipment type approval for wireless devices, including the self-declaration route via Saral Sanchar.