Just Imagine checking the weather, exploring a favorite app, or scrolling through notes all with a turn of the eye. A gadget like this is not available yet, but Mojo Vision is creating an AR contact lens that has the potential to turn this into reality. The California-based startup describes its works as invisible computing, that enables users a hands-free experience to access data whenever they need it.
The project has been in development for some years, but it has caught NASA’s attention. The Mojo Lens won the 2020 NASA iTech Cycle 1. Being one of the many winners, it will gain from NASA’s mentorship, development as well as commercialization guidance, and many more opportunities to interact with investors.
NASA
Drew Perkins, Mojo Vision co-founder and CEO, talked about the opportunity and mentioned that not many startups get to experience it. They are excited about the possibility of their technology being used in future missions for NASA. They still have lots of work to do in Mojo Lens’ development. But, NASA’s selection portrays a clear desire for innovation in AR and heads-up computing, specifically for space exploration.
Overlays
NASA iTech focuses on recognizing the latest innovations that can not just help on Earth but with space exploration too. The capability to examine crucial data without the physical tools’ distractions could be a critical component of missions for NASA. The tech company is also developing a lens with the potential to aid an Artemis xEMU spacesuit helmet. The lens will present overlays in the usual vision zone without blocking eyesight.
Advantages
The company’s augmented reality lens will come with a wide range of advantages that are focused on lowering screen time. Mojo Vision’s lens will have an interface that will pop up while a client is seeing from their eye’s corner. It will allow them to view the latest notifications without the added interruptions or hassle. Using the lens would be a lot like how one would view content if they help up a smartphone or wear a pair of glasses that made the content appear before them. The product’s safety implications are something that the company paid a lot of attention to.
Challenges
It is very time-consuming to develop the technology, but Mojo Vision continues its forward momentum. They have faced several challenges like designing the right-sized image, motion sensors, and also devising a way to power the device. A wearable powers the current prototype, and one has to wear it on the wrist, and it also does the computing. The company’s research division is also going through the use of mobile phone-based power solutions. The lens, which is conceived like a general contact lens but with the added augmented reality perks, will also be available with a prescription lens.
The tech firm’s primary focus is on offering a new option for people with visual problems. The sensors can develop a clearer picture of the actual world, like with magnified objects or highlighted edges, which would make exploring surroundings comparatively easier.
