MIDO 2026: innovative materials, AI and new product solutions
At MIDO 2026, eyewear reveals its most advanced face.
At MIDO 2026, eyewear reveals its most advanced face. The innovations on display tell the story of a sector undergoing deep transformation, driven by advanced materials, integrated technologies and artificial intelligence applied to the product. These are not mere aesthetic updates, but solutions designed to redefine how eyewear is conceived, worn and experienced.
Among the most compelling developments are new materials that are increasingly sophisticated and responsible. Regenerated acetates, bioplastics derived from organic waste, advanced resins and ultra-light metals take centre stage in frames that combine comfort, durability and an immediately perceivable tactile and visual quality. Sustainability is translated into concrete design choices, capable of enhancing performance without compromising aesthetics.
Significant attention is also given to integrated technological solutions that turn eyewear into an advanced device without altering its visual identity. The innovations presented focus on increasingly discreet integration of technology: lightweight structures, miniaturised electronics and optimised components allow advanced functionalities to be embedded directly into the temples, while preserving clean design, comfort and wearability for extended daily use.
The most advanced frontier is represented by next-generation smart eyewear. Integrated open-ear audio for music and calls, voice commands for immediate interaction, hands-free photo and video capture and continuous connectivity transform eyewear into an operational tool for everyday life, from work and commuting to travel, events and content creation. Low-power architectures enable prolonged use throughout the day, reducing reliance on recharging and significantly improving the overall user experience.
Alongside hardware, artificial intelligence is increasingly integrated into the user experience in a structured way. Eyewear now incorporates AI assistants capable of providing contextual support: quick answers, summaries, real-time information and assistance features designed to accompany users in their daily activities. AI is not a purely spectacular element, but a tool designed to increase efficiency and reduce friction between people and technology.
The lens segment is also undergoing a significant leap forward thanks to artificial intelligence. The most advanced solutions move beyond the concept of the “standard” eye through biometric algorithms that consider not only eye morphology, but also individual visual sensitivity and the way the brain processes information. Each lens is thus designed as a unique solution, tailored to the visual perception of the individual, delivering a more natural, fluid and immediate visual experience from the very first use.
In this scenario, technology becomes a silent yet decisive factor: it is not seen, but it is felt. It enhances comfort, personalises the experience and opens a new chapter for eyewear, increasingly positioned as an intelligent interface between people, their environment and the digital world.