Self-Powered Eye Tracker Uses Blinks for Energy and Feels Like Everyday Glasses
By Science Correspondent
A new eye-tracking device can power itself using the energy created when a person blinks, offering a lightweight and comfortable alternative to existing systems.
The technology could improve communication and mobility for people who rely on eye movements to interact with the world.
Eye-tracking devices are often used by people who cannot move their bodies to control wheelchairs or communicate. However, many current systems are bulky, heavy, require external power, and struggle in low-light conditions.
In a study by Wu et al., “Self-powered eye-tracking system by harvesting the energy of blinking,” published January 7 in Cell Reports Physical Science (2025, Science 7, 103026), researchers describe a self-powered eye-tracking system that generates electricity from the friction between the eyelids and the eyes during blinking.
“We’ve developed a self-powered eye-tracking system that harvests energy from blinking and can be used to detect eye movements with high precision,” says Yun-Ze Long of Qingdao University in Qingdao, China. “The system works in the dark, requires no external power source, and is as lightweight and comfortable as everyday glasses and contact lenses.”
The team aimed to create a wearable system that avoids eye strain and long-term discomfort while remaining reliable and sustainable.
Their design is intended to help people with mobility-limiting conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
The device uses triboelectric nanogenerators, which convert mechanical motion into electricity through electrification and electrostatic induction. Because blinking is a low-frequency movement, it provides a steady energy source.
The system can detect eye movements as small as 2 degrees with 99% accuracy, while producing enough power to run independently.
“We were particularly surprised by how well the friction layer retained its charge in a biological setting on a rabbit’s eye,” says Long. “We were also impressed by the system’s ability to maintain high accuracy even in noisy electromagnetic environments.”
According to the researchers, the study shows that even subtle body movements can be used to generate usable energy. Beyond assistive technologies, they see potential applications in virtual reality, smart driving systems, and space exploration, where hands-free control is critical.
“Our system turns something as simple as a blink into a source of power and control,” Long says. “It’s designed to be lightweight, comfortable, and helpful—especially for those who rely on eye movements to communicate or interact with the world. It’s an example of how technology can empower people and make daily life more accessible.”
This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the State Key Laboratory of Advanced Fiber Materials, and Qingdao University.
