When Smart Glasses Meet 3D Printing: How Morrow is Redefining Future Visual Wearables
Belgian startup Morrow Eyewear is using 3D printing technology to solve the balancing act between aesthetics and functionality in smart glasses. Its autofocus glasses can seamlessly switch between near and distance vision with just a touch of a button, all housed within a lightweight and stylish frame.
Design Revolution: The Fusion of Invisible Tech and Wearable Aesthetics
Paul Marchal, co-founder of Morrow, points out: "The success of smart glasses hinges on whether people actually want to wear them." To achieve this, the company partnered with 3D printing specialist Materialise, utilizing additive manufacturing to achieve lightweight and personalized frame designs. By precisely embedding tunable liquid crystal lenses into the 3D-printed frames, electronic components are cleverly concealed while ensuring millimeter-level structural accuracy and all-day wearing comfort.
Sustainable Production: From On-Demand Manufacturing to Zero Inventory
Leveraging the flexible production capabilities of 3D printing, Morrow has established an on-demand manufacturing model. Marchal states, "We don't need to maintain large inventories. Short lead times allow us to continuously optimize designs while minimizing material waste and capital tied up." This model not only responds to consumer demand for diverse styles—offering over 160 frame variations through collaboration with designers—but also achieves a transition from "end-of-season clearance" to "zero-waste production."
Technical Origins and Market Prospects
Morrow's technology originated from joint research at imec and Ghent University and has attracted over ten million euros in investment from institutions including ZEISS Ventures. Gerrit Schulte, Head of ZEISS Ventures, believes: "The electrification and functionalization of eyewear is an often-overlooked field. Morrow's solution is a key enabler." In 2024, the company entered the French and Swiss markets through strategic partnerships, potentially reaching over 30 million users.
Through continuous collaboration with partners like Materialise on proprietary materials and processes, Morrow is leading smart eyewear toward a future that is lighter, more personalized, and more sustainable. This is not just an upgrade to vision aids but a deep integration of wearable technology and everyday aesthetics.
