In China, university students are reportedly renting AI smart glasses to assist in cheating during difficult examinations.
The devices are said to be hired at a daily rate of between 40 and 60 yuan, approximately 6 to 9 US dollars. Although smart glasses have existed for some time, they have not become common household devices. However, newer versions equipped with artificial intelligence have gained rapid popularity among students in China, who are using them to improve exam performance.
According to a recent report, the AI smart glasses contain large language models along with built-in camera and audio functions. The device is capable of scanning questions and text and providing instant answers in a manner designed to avoid detection.
Earlier models of smart glasses were large and heavy, but newer versions developed by companies such as Xiaomi and Alibaba are slimmer and more discreet, closely resembling ordinary spectacles. Despite a ban on their use in national college entrance examinations and civil service tests, they continue to be used in school-level exams, with reported strong outcomes.
A study conducted at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology found that a student using smart glasses fitted with an AI system similar to ChatGPT 5.2 ranked among the top five out of 100 students, achieving an average score of 92.5 compared with the class average of 72.
The devices, priced between 270 US dollars and over 1,000 US dollars, are considered costly for students who intend to use them only for examinations. However, second-hand marketplaces such as Xianyu are playing a key role, offering rental options at daily rates ranging from 40 to 80 yuan depending on the model.
A university student from Hebei province, identified as Vivian, told a media outlet that she uses AI smart glasses to assist in subjects where she fears failing. She also rents them out to other students. Using a small remote resembling a ring, users can scan questions and send them to AI systems, which display answers on the lens without attracting attention.
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