Blink-powered eye tracker could let paralyzed patients control chairs

Researchers at Qingdao University in China have created a novel, lightweight, and self-powered eye-tracking system aimed at aiding individuals with severe mobility impairments, such as those with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Unlike conventional eye trackers that are often heavy, reliant on external power sources, and ineffective in low-light conditions, this new device harnesses energy generated by the user's blinking through triboelectric nanogenerators. By converting the mechanical energy from eyelid movements into electrical power, the system operates without batteries or external power, maintaining clinical precision with 99% accuracy and the ability to detect eye movements as small as 2 degrees—even in electromagnetically noisy environments. The device's friction-based energy harvesting also serves as a sensitive sensor, enabling it to function effectively in total darkness and without causing eye strain, unlike infrared camera-based trackers. Tested for biocompatibility on rabbit eyes, the system showed no irritation and retained its charge well. Beyond assisting patients with mobility challenges,