Highlights
• Himax and AUO revealed a front-lit LCoS microdisplay designed for AR glasses and wearables.
• The solution combines low power use, high brightness, and a compact optical module.
• The collaboration integrates Himax’s LCoS technology with AUO’s waveguide design.

Himax Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:HIMX) and AUO Corporation announced the presentation of their jointly developed front-lit LCoS microdisplay solution at CES 2026, which was held from January 6 to January 9, 2026, in Las Vegas, USA. The demonstration marked the latest outcome of a collaboration aimed at addressing design constraints in augmented reality (AR) glasses and wearable display systems.

The microdisplay was introduced as a proprietary integration of Himax’s liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) microdisplay with AUO’s high-efficiency waveguide technology. According to the companies, the design focuses on five core attributes: a slim form factor, high resolution, low power consumption, elevated brightness, and wide color reproduction, positioning it for AR and wearable applications.

Technical Specifications and Optical Design

The showcased LCoS microdisplay operates at a resolution of 720 × 720 and is specified to run at approximately 200 mW of power consumption. The companies stated that the display can reach brightness levels of up to 350,000 nits and produce 1 lumen of output, supporting visibility across varying ambient lighting conditions.

By aligning polarization precisely and optimizing the optical architecture, the combined system was described as achieving overall optical efficiency of up to 1,000 nits per lumen. This configuration is intended to balance brightness output with power efficiency and operational stability during extended use.

Compact Module and Wearability Considerations

Himax and AUO also highlighted the physical dimensions of the LCoS module. Without a collimator lens, the module measures about 0.09 cubic centimetres and weighs 0.21 grams. When paired with a collimator co-developed with Giga-Image Technology, the module remains compact at 0.34 cubic centimetres and 0.79 grams.

The companies indicated that reduced size and weight are relevant factors for wearable comfort and industrial design flexibility in AR devices. The display also supports up to 140% sRGB color gamut coverage, enabling broad color reproduction for visual applications.

Management Commentary

“AR wearables are evolving rapidly, creating strong demand for next-generation display technologies,” said Dr. Wei-Lung Liau, Chief Technology Officer at AUO. “Partnering with Himax, we’ve combined AUO’s high-efficiency waveguide with Himax’s leading LCoS display to deliver an AR solution that offers exceptional brightness, ultra-low power, and a sleek, lightweight design. This breakthrough raises the bar for comfort and visual quality, accelerating AR glasses from concept to everyday reality and ushering in a new era of smart wearables.”

Jordan Wu, Chief Executive Officer at Himax, added: “Our collaboration with AUO combines the deep expertise of both companies in optics and waveguide technologies to take LCoS technology to an entirely new level… our latest LCoS module is currently being actively evaluated by several top-tier technology companies and professional AR glasses makers worldwide, with projects progressing smoothly.”

The closing price of HIMX was USD 8.20 as of December 29, 2025.