Alipay enables in-store payment functionality across China for AR glasses in partnership with Rokid

Rokid, a specialist in augmented reality, has launched Rokid Glasses, its latest AR device. In China, the product supports in-store payments facilitated by Alipay’s digital technology and multidimensional risk control solution for AR glasses.

This will begin rolling out to users starting in June, with over 250,000 units thus far ordered.

Users link their Alipay account via the Rokid app and enable voice verification. In stores, they say: “Rokid, pay 10 RMB.” The glasses scan the merchant’s Alipay QR code. Users then confirm by voice, with payment details shown on the display.

“Equipping Rokid Glasses with payment capabilities brings users a smoother and more intuitive experience, while also ushering the AI glasses industry into the era of payment. We believe this will set a new benchmark for the industry. Behind this innovation is close collaboration with Alipay on both payment and risk technologies. Looking ahead, we will continue to explore new experiences together,” says Zhu Mingming, Founder and CEO at Rokid.

“Rokid Glasses deliver a brand new user experience. Alipay will fully support the growth of emerging industries and continue to create more value for users,” says Zhang Aijuan, Vice President at Ant Group and Rotating President at the Digital Payment Business Unit.

The pair say that, in the coming years, the technology could enable people to complete transactions by looking at or gesturing toward a product. It could also support interactive product discovery - letting users access real-time information, virtual try-ons, or personalised recommendations - and make it possible to pay instantly without reaching for a phone or wallet.

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Payments will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.