New blink-powered tech enables hands-free control of smart devices

Scientists have just developed a revolutionary eye-tracking system that harvests energy from your blinks! No batteries, no heavy wires – just pure eye movement. From helping ALS patients regain mobility to the future of VR gaming, this smart contact lens is a total game-changer.

Even lab rabbits are mastering it!

A joint research team from Qingdao University and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology has officially unveiled this world-first, lightweight, self-powered eye-tracking system. This technological leap, recently featured in the journal Cell Reports Physical Science, is centered on a smart contact lens crafted from biocompatible PDMS materials.

The device captures the subtle friction between the eyelid and the eye during a blink, converting that micro-mechanical energy into stable electrical signals. This battery-free design eliminates the need for bulky hardware or constant recharging, making it an ideal wearable for long-term use.

The system's precision is equally impressive. It can detect eye-tracking angles as small as 2 degrees and maintains a remarkable 99% accuracy rate in identifying motion direction. This level of sensitivity is precisely what allows for the seamless control of wheelchairs and digital interfaces, providing a transformative solution for individuals with limited mobility.

Beyond the medical field, this innovation is set to redefine the future of hands-free interaction in VR and smart driving environments.

(Zhao Chenchen also contributed to the story.)