Scientists from the University of California, San Diego, have created a new robotic soft contact lens that lets you zoom by blinking twice. The lens can be controlled by your eye movements.
Eye movements like blinking carry change potential to signal. Shengqiang Cai, the lead researcher, told the New Scientist that the eye has an electro-oculographic potential, even if you’re sleeping:
Even if your eye cannot see anything, many people can still move their eyeball and generate this electro-oculographic signal.
So, these scientists measured the electrical impulse and found a way to use it to change the focal length of the lens. The study claims that because of the soft materials used in the lens, relative changes in the focal length can be as large as 32 percent. The focal length is changed by deforming the lens. In the experiment, the team used dielectric elastomer to achieve the required deformation.
The scientists said this lens can be used for visual prostheses, adjustable glasses, and remotely operated robotics in the future. But I bet you’re already dreaming of wearing this and becoming a superspy?
The 💜 of EU tech
The latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!
You can read more about the research here.
Get the TNW newsletter
Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week.