Singapore Unveils AR Contact Lenses
Researchers from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore (NTU Singapore) have innovated contact lenses with AR functionalities. These advanced lenses not only project virtual data onto the real world but also harness a novel energy source for their operation.
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The project team had an insightful revelation: given that human tears are rich in sodium and potassium ions, excellent conductors, why not harness this as an energy source instead of relying on external batteries? Their investigations led to the publication of a study, “A tear-based battery charged by biofuel for smart contact lenses.”
The paper details a battery that operates without wires, avoids harmful substances, and is entirely safe and comfortable for the user. This battery, made from materials compatible with the human body, is powered by the natural tears of its wearer.
And for those who find themselves laughing more often than crying, there's no need to worry. The lenses can be charged in a special solution mimicking the composition of tears, or via an external battery.
The technology's benefits include:
- Safety: A design devoid of metal electrodes and other potentially dangerous components.
- Compactness: The battery's thickness does not exceed that of the human cornea.
- Eco-Friendliness: Employing tears as a sustainable energy source represents a pioneering approach in optical technology.
Researchers indicate that energy derived from tears can power the lenses for up to four hours. The lenses may also receive additional charges via an external battery, extending their usable period.
At present, these smart lenses are used for vision correction and in the detection and treatment of chronic diseases such as diabetes and glaucoma. Moreover, the developers assert that the integrated MicroLED display on the contact lens could project text, elementary graphics, and illustrations onto the retina. They also feature eye movement tracking capabilities, purportedly offering more precise measurements than current AR and VR smart glasses.
Looking ahead, these smart contact lenses could potentially record and upload everything seen by the wearer to cloud storage.
The NTU development team has submitted a patent application and aims to commercialize this innovation in the foreseeable future.
It's conceivable that agencies like the CIA and Interpol might be among the initial commercial adopters, given their current interest in adopting digital technologies within their operations.
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