Scientists at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) have developed an innovative sensor that attaches directly to the eyelids and measures human fatigue levels in real time. According to the researchers, the device achieves an accuracy rate of 96.4%, making it one of the most effective in its field.
The device is made of silicone rubber with built-in micromagnets and a thin golden coil on an elastic layer. Thanks to these materials, the sensor is soft, waterproof, and comfortable to use. It responds to eyelid movements, converting them into electrical signals, which are then analyzed by artificial intelligence.
A neural network evaluates six parameters of blinking to determine the degree of fatigue. The device operates autonomously and does not require external power sources, significantly broadening its potential applications.
The development is based on the discovery of the giant magnetoelasticity effect in soft materials, first made by the UCLA team in 2021. This effect allows the polymer to transform mechanical eyelid movement into a magnetic signal, which is then converted into an electrical one. Researchers note that this discovery paves the way for new types of sensors, whose potential has not yet been fully explored.
The innovation could have important applications in medicine, transportation, and other areas where fatigue monitoring plays a critical role in safety and performance.
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