Scientists are working on smart contact lenses powered by human tears

Who needs external batteries when you can have those old goodies?

Scientists at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore have begun developing augmented reality (AR) contact lenses capable of displaying virtual information in the real world.

But here's the funniest part: These high-tech contact lenses are powered by human tears, according to an official statement released by the university.

The team has already started developing a flexible battery that is as thick as the human cornea. This ultra-thin battery is able to store electricity when exposed to salt water (which can be found in tears). This solution, the researchers say, can extend battery life by up to four hours per 12-hour cycle. These contact lenses can also be charged with an external battery.

The battery itself is made of biocompatible materials. No wires or "toxic substances" were used in its development, promising a more comfortable experience than some other smart contact lenses.

"The most common charging system for smart contact lenses requires the use of metal electrodes in the lens, which can be harmful if exposed to the naked eye," Dr Yun Jeonghun, a researcher at NTU EEE and one of the co-authors, said in the official statement.

"Meanwhile, another way of powering the glasses, inductive charging, requires the use of coils in the lenses to transmit power, similar to a wireless charging pad for a smartphone. Our tear-based battery removes the concerns that both approaches can pose." , and provides room for further innovation of smart contact lenses."

According to the university, the team has filed a patent through NTUitive and intends to commercialize the smart contact lens sometime in the future.

For more information, please consult the University'sofficial statement. you can alsohereRead the research paper, "A tear-based battery powered by biofuels for smart contact lenses."