Research Frontiers and AIT Group Debut at GlassBuild Retrofittable SPD-SmartGlass System Bringing Instant Light Control, Comfort, and Energy Efficiency to Existing Buildings
Research Frontiers (NASDAQ: REFR) and AIT Group unveiled the Thermolite RetroWAL retrofillable SPD-SmartGlass system, debuting at GlassBuild America Nov 4–6, 2025 in Orlando.
The system uses SPD-Smart film produced by Gauzy (NASDAQ: GAUZ) to convert existing glazing into dimmable, energy-efficient smart glass without removing original windows. Benefits claimed include up to 20% solar heat gain reduction, UV/IR blocking, noise reduction, instant dimming, and integration with building controls.
Market context: Frost & Sullivan projects a $124B smart glass market by 2028 (CAGR 22.8%). Retrofits may offer up to 70% lower installation cost vs full replacement and could qualify for 30–50% U.S. investment tax credits for dynamic glazing.
Research Frontiers (NASDAQ: REFR) e AIT Group hanno presentato il sistema Thermolite RetroWAL retrofillable SPD-SmartGlass, in anteprima a GlassBuild America 4-6 nov 2025 a Orlando.
Il sistema utilizza un film SPD-Smart prodotto da Gauzy (NASDAQ: GAUZ) per convertire vetrature esistenti in vetri smart dimmabili ed efficienti dal punto di vista energetico senza rimuovere le finestre originali. I benefici dichiarati includono fino al 20% di riduzione dell'apporto di calore solare, blocco UV/IR, riduzione del rumore, oscuramento immediato e integrazione con i sistemi di controllo degli edifici.
Contesto di mercato: Frost & Sullivan prevede un mercato di vetro intelligente da 124 miliardi di dollari entro il 2028 (CAGR 22,8%). I retrofit potrebbero offrire fino a il 70% in meno di costi di installazione rispetto alla sostituzione completa e potrebbe beneficiare di 30–50% di crediti d'imposta statali per gli Stati Uniti per vetrature dinamiche.
Research Frontiers (NASDAQ: REFR) y AIT Group presentaron el sistema Thermolite RetroWAL retrofillable SPD-SmartGlass, debutando en GlassBuild America del 4 al 6 de noviembre de 2025 en Orlando.
El sistema usa el film SPD-Smart producido por Gauzy (NASDAQ: GAUZ) para convertir acristalamientos existentes en vidrio inteligente atenuable y energéticamente eficiente sin retirar las ventanas originales. Beneficios declarados incluyen hasta un 20% de reducción de ganancia solar, bloqueo UV/IR, reducción de ruido, oscurecimiento instantáneo y integración con controles del edificio.
Contexto de mercado: Frost & Sullivan proyecta un mercado de vidrio inteligente de 124.000 millones de dólares para 2028 (CAGR 22.8%). Las retrofit pueden ofrecer hasta un 70% menos de costo de instalación en comparación con la sustitución completa y podrían calificar para 30–50% de créditos fiscales de inversión en EE. UU. para acristalamientos dinámicos.
Research Frontiers (NASDAQ: REFR) 와 AIT Group는 Thermolite RetroWAL retrofillable SPD-SmartGlass 시스템을 공개했으며, 2025년 11월 4–6일 올랜도에서 GlassBuild America에서 데뷔했습니다.
시스템은 Gauzy (NASDAQ: GAUZ)가 생산하는 SPD-Smart 필름을 사용하여 기존 유리를 제거하지 않고도 가변 조도 스마트 글래스로 변환합니다. 혜택으로는 최대 20%의 태양열 이득 감소, UV/IR 차단, 소음 감소, 즉시 어두워짐, 건물 제어와의 통합이 포함됩니다.
시장 맥락: Frost & Sullivan은 2028년까지 1240억 달러 규모의 스마트 글래스 시장을 예측합니다 (CAGR 22.8%). 리노베이션은 전체 교체 대비 설치 비용을 최대 70%까지 낮출 수 있으며, 미국의 동적 글래스에 대한 30–50%의 투자세 크레딧 자격이 있을 수 있습니다.
Research Frontiers (NASDAQ: REFR) et AIT Group ont dévoilé le système Thermolite RetroWAL retrofillable SPD-SmartGlass, en avant-première à GlassBuild America du 4 au 6 novembre 2025 à Orlando.
Le système utilise le film SPD-Smart produit par Gauzy (NASDAQ: GAUZ) pour convertir les vitrages existants en verre intelligent dimmable et économe en énergie sans retirer les fenêtres d'origine. Les bénéfices annoncés incluent jusqu'à 20 % de réduction de l'apport solaire, blocage UV/IR, réduction du bruit, occultation instantanée et intégration avec les systèmes de contrôle du bâtiment.
Contexte du marché: Frost & Sullivan prévoit un marché du verre intelligent de 124 milliards de dollars d'ici 2028 (CAGR 22,8%). Les rétrofits peuvent offrir jusqu'à 70 % de réduction des coûts d'installation par rapport au remplacement complet et pourraient être admissibles à des crédits d'impôt américain de 30–50% pour les vitrages dynamiques.
Research Frontiers (NASDAQ: REFR) und die AIT Group haben das Thermolite RetroWAL retrofillable SPD-SmartGlass-System vorgestellt, das seine Premiere auf der GlassBuild America vom 4. bis 6. November 2025 in Orlando feierte.
Das System verwendet SPD-Smart-Film, hergestellt von Gauzy (NASDAQ: GAUZ), um bestehende Verglasungen in dimmbare, energieeffiziente Smart Glass zu verwandeln, ohne die Originalfenster zu entfernen. Zu den angegebenen Vorteilen gehören bis zu 20 % Reduktion der solaren Wärmebelastung, UV/IR-Blockierung, Lärmminderung, sofortiges Dimmen und Integration mit Gebäudesteuerungen.
Marktkontext: Frost & Sullivan prognostiziert einen 124 Mrd. USD großen Markt für Smart Glass bis 2028 (CAGR 22,8%). Nachrüstungen (Retrofits) könnten bis zu 70 % niedrigere Installationskosten im Vergleich zum vollständigen Austausch bieten und könnten für 30–50% US-Steuergutschriften für dynamische Verglasungen qualifizieren.
Research Frontiers (NASDAQ: REFR) و مجموعة AIT كشفا عن نظام Thermolite RetroWAL retrofillable SPD-SmartGlass، الذي تم عرضه في GlassBuild America في الفترة من 4 إلى 6 نوفمبر 2025 في أورلاندو.
يستخدم النظام الفيلم SPD-Smart الذي تنتجه Gauzy (NASDAQ: GAUZ) لتحويل الزجاج القائم إلى زجاج ذكي قابل لإبداله بالظلال وموفر للطاقة دون إزالة النوافذ الأصلية. تشمل الفوائد المدعوة حتى 20% انخفاض في اكتساب الحرارة الشمسية، حجب UV/IR، تقليل الضجيج، تعتيم فوري، والتكامل مع أنظمة التحكم في المبنى.
سياق السوق: تتوقع Frost & Sullivan سوق زجاج ذكي بقيمة 124 مليار دولار بحلول 2028 (معدل نمو سنوي مركب 22.8%). يمكن أن توفر عمليات إعادة التبويب حتى 70% انخفاض في تكاليف التركيب مقارنة بالاستبدال الكامل، وقد تكون مؤهلة للحصول على ائتمانات ضريبية استثمارية أمريكية 30–50% للنوافذ الديناميكية.
Research Frontiers (NASDAQ: REFR) 与 AIT Group 共同推出 Thermolite RetroWAL retrofillable SPD-SmartGlass 系统，计划于 2025 年 11 月 4–6 日在奥兰多的 GlassBuild America 首发。
该系统使用由 Gauzy (NASDAQ: GAUZ) 生产的 SPD-Smart 薄膜，将现有玻璃改装为可调光、节能的智能玻璃，而无需拆除原有窗户。所声称的好处包括 高达 20% 的太阳能热增益降低、UV/IR 阻挡、降噪、即时调暗，以及与建筑控制系统的整合。
市场背景：Frost & Sullivan 预测到 2028 年智能玻璃市场将达到 1240 亿美元（CAGR 22.8%）。改造可能比全面更换的安装成本低至 70%，并且可能获得 30–50% 的美国动态玻璃投资税收抵免。
- Solar heat gain reduction up to 20%
- Installation cost savings up to 70% vs full glass replacement
- U.S. tax credit eligibility of 30–50% for dynamic glazing
- Market projection $124 billion smart glass market by 2028 (CAGR 22.8%)
- None.
Insights
RetroWAL retrofittable SPD-SmartGlass offers instant dimming for existing windows, aiming to cut solar heat gain and open retrofit markets.
The system uses SPD‑Smart film applied to existing glazing to provide instantaneous, electrically controlled dimming while preserving views. It claims to reduce solar heat gain by
Adoption depends on demonstration success, installation workflows, and incentives; the announcement ties product rollout to GlassBuild (Booth 9034) on
Powered by SPD-SmartGlass Film invented by Research Frontiers and Produced by Gauzy, this First-of-its-Kind Retrofit Dimmable Glazing System Transforms Building Facades
Orlando, FL, Oct. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Research Frontiers Inc. (Nasdaq: REFR), the inventor and licensor of patented SPD-Smart film light-control technology, and Advanced Impact Technologies Group (AIT Group), a fully-integrated premier manufacturer of advanced functional glass solutions, and licensee of Research Frontiers’ technology, announced the debut of the next-generation retrofittable SPD-SmartGlass window. The Thermolite RetroWAL SPD-SmartGlass system will be demonstrated at GlassBuild America 2025 in Orlando, Florida from November 4-6, 2025, at Booth 9034.
The RetroWAL SPD-SmartGlass system represents a major advance in building modernization — enabling owners to transform existing windows into intelligent, energy-efficient smart glass without removing the original glazing. Co-developed with Gauzy Ltd. (NASDAQ: GAUZ), a Research Frontiers partner and shareholder, and manufacturer of SPD light-control film, Gauzy Ltd. (NASDAQ: GAUZ), the system utilizes the same smart film technology already implemented by Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, McLaren, Cadillac, Airbus, and Boeing—for easy retrofit installation in commercial, residential, and institutional buildings.
Also on display at GlassBuild will be an SPD-SmartGlass IGU (insulated glass unit) window supplied by Gauzy, further demonstrating the growing availability and adoption of this energy-efficient technology for built environments.
Visitors to AIT’s booth will see live demonstrations of RetroWAL for use in:
- Commercial and residential retrofits
- Hospitality and government facilities
- Smart façades, skylights, and partitions
The system delivers dynamic shading automatically or at the touch of a button, through voice control, sensors, smart phones or tables, or building automation. It reduces solar heat gain by up to
“Our new RetroWAL SPD system transforms legacy glass into intelligent glass,” said Jeff Besse, President and CEO of AIT Group. “It delivers the energy savings, wellness, and privacy benefits of next-generation buildings without demolition or downtime. A weekend retrofit can completely change how a space feels and performs.”
“SPD technology is the only dynamic glazing solution combining instant response, wide dimming range, and long-term reliability,” added Joseph M. Harary, President and CEO of Research Frontiers. “AIT’s innovation brings SPD into the retrofit era — enabling millions of buildings worldwide to reduce energy use, increase comfort, and modernize their glass infrastructure.”
Eyal Peso, CEO of Gauzy added, “The retrofit market represents one of the largest opportunities for smart glass adoption. SPD delivers instant performance and proven reliability, positioning Gauzy and our partners at the center of this next wave of sustainable building innovation.”
SPD-Smart film contains specially engineered nanoparticles that align or disperse in response to an electric current, instantly adjusting transparency from clear to dark. This technology has been trusted for more than two decades in transportation and architectural applications — including aircraft, luxury vehicles, marine vessels, museums, and commercial installations such as the 10,000-square-foot SPD roof at the 2015 World’s Fair in Milan.
By bringing that same capability to existing buildings through retrofit capabilities, RetroWAL makes energy-saving SPD-SmartGlass accessible to a far broader market.
Governments around the world are accelerating adoption of energy-efficient technologies. The U.S. Dynamic Glass Act offers 30–
According to Frost & Sullivan, the global smart glass market is projected to reach
Retrofit applications are expected to be the fastest-growing segment due to:
- Lower cost of installation (up to
- Reduced carbon footprint
- Immediate ROI from reduced HVAC loads and increased occupant comfort
- Eligibility for green building credits and tax incentives
The RetroWAL SPD-SmartGlass system was developed by AIT Group in collaboration with Gauzy Ltd. the global manufacturer of SPD light-control film, and Research Frontiers, the inventor of SPD-Smart light-control technology. Together they are scaling SPD technology for architectural retrofits and next-generation building envelopes worldwide.
This year's event provides the ideal platform to demonstrate how SPD-SmartGlass can help architects, developers and building owners and facility managers transform existing structures into high-performance, energy-efficient spaces. GlassBuild America is the largest annual gathering for commercial and residential glass professionals. The conference and exhibition is produced by the National Glass Association (NGA) in partnership with the Fenestration & Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA), and brings together manufacturers, fabricators, suppliers, installers, architects and other industry professionals for networking, innovation and education.
About Research Frontiers
Research Frontiers (Nasdaq: REFR) is a publicly traded technology company and the developer of patented SPD-Smart light-control film technology which allows users to instantly, precisely and uniformly control the shading of glass or plastic products, either manually or automatically. Research Frontiers has licensed its smart glass technology to numerous companies that include well known chemical, material science and glass companies. Products using Research Frontiers’ smart glass technology are being used in tens of thousands of cars, aircraft, yachts, trains, homes, offices, museums and other buildings. For more information, please visit our website at www.SmartGlass.com, and on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.
About AIT Group
Advanced Impact Technologies Group (AIT Group) with its market focused entities are the market leaders in a variety of areas such as dynamic glazing, physical security, and occupant comfort applications along with offering the highest thermal performance, low carbon products, on the market. This is possible for the group by focusing on producing purposeful end products meeting today’s functional needs by combining unique materials and advanced manufacturing techniques coupled with a commitment to quality and service.
AIT Group is the parent company of LTI SmartGlass, a fully-integrated premier manufacturer of advanced functional glass solutions, and licensee of Research Frontiers’ SPD-Smart film light-control technology,
For more information, please visit www.thermolitewindows.com.
About Gauzy
Gauzy Ltd. is a fully-integrated light and vision control company, focused on the research, development, manufacturing, and marketing of vision and light control technologies that are developed to support safe, sustainable, comfortable, and agile user experiences across various industries. Headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel, the company has additional subsidiaries and entities based in Germany, France, the United States, Canada, China, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates. Gauzy serves leading brands across aeronautics, automotive, and architecture in over 60 countries through direct fulfillment and a certified and trained distribution channel.
Note: From time to time, Research Frontiers may issue forward-looking statements which involve risks and uncertainties. This press release contains forward-looking statements. Actual results, especially those reliant on activities by third parties, could differ and are not guaranteed. Any forward-looking statements should be considered accordingly. “SPD-Smart” and “SPD-SmartGlass” are trademarks of Research Frontiers Inc. “Thermolite” and “RetroWAL” are trademarks of AIT Group.
CONTACT:
Jeffrey Besse
President and CEO
AIT Group
2310 Starkey Rd
Largo FL 33771
+1 413 822 2290
jbesse@impactAIT.com
Joseph M. Harary
President and CEO
Research Frontiers Inc.
+1-516-364-1902
Info@SmartGlass.com
Brittany Kleiman
Chief Marketing Officer
PR@gauzy.com
FAQ
What is the Thermolite RetroWAL SPD-SmartGlass system from REFR and AIT Group?
When and where will Research Frontiers (REFR) demonstrate RetroWAL SPD-SmartGlass?
How much solar heat gain reduction does the RetroWAL SPD system claim?
Does the RetroWAL retrofit qualify for government incentives for dynamic glazing?
What cost and market benefits are cited for retrofitting with RetroWAL instead of replacing glass?
Who manufactures the SPD film used in REFR and AIT Group's retrofit system?
