Meta debuts Aria Gen 2 smart glasses with eye tracking, 12MP camera for research

Meta has introduced its latest smart glasses, Aria Gen 2, designed specifically for research purposes. These cutting-edge glasses feature advanced sensors and cameras, enabling researchers to explore new applications in AI, augmented reality, and robotics.

The Aria Gen 2 glasses boast a 12-megapixel RGB camera and four computer vision cameras with a wider field of view, providing 120dB high dynamic range for superior performance in varied lighting conditions. Additionally, they feature seven spatial microphones, stereo speakers, and various sensors, including an ambient light sensor, barometer, and photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor for heart rate monitoring.

Research applications

Aria Gen 2 includes a camera-based eye-tracking system and 3D hand-tracking capabilities, enabling precise manual labelling of datasets for applications like dexterous robot hand manipulation. Meta's custom coprocessor enables real-time machine perception signals, including Visual Inertial Odometry (VIO) for precise six-degrees-of-freedom tracking.

Availability

Meta will begin accepting applications to work with Aria Gen 2 later this year, allowing researchers to explore new applications. Researchers can join the Aria Gen 2 interest list through Meta's website.

Future implications

While Aria Gen 2 is designed exclusively for research purposes, its advanced features provide insight into Meta's vision for future smart glasses technology. The company reportedly plans to launch new consumer-focused smart glasses, potentially incorporating some of Aria Gen 2's innovative technologies.