Case Study: Epson achieves lighter, more comfortable Moverio smart glasses with Protolabs' quick-turn CNC prototyping

Epson Uses Machined Prototypes to Set Sights on Improving Smart Glasses

Epson turned to Protolabs when it needed to improve the comfort, weight and fit of its Moverio BT-300 augmented reality smart glasses. Because comfort could only be validated with physical parts and the design deadline left little room for error, Epson used Protolabs’ rapid CNC machining quick‑turn prototyping services to produce realistic, testable prototypes quickly.

Protolabs supplied two rapid prototype iterations plus quoting and design‑analysis feedback and phone support from applications engineers, letting Epson double its prototype cycle in the same amount of time, identify manufacturability issues early, and avoid costly mold rework. The result: “superb” comfort feedback, production approval and a move to mass production of the BT‑300, and continued use of Protolabs for future injection‑molding and QCD improvements.

Epson

Kazuya Kamakura

Senior Staff, HMD Business Management Department, Visual Products Operations Division