China Unveils Blink-Powered Device to Aid Paralysed Patients’ Mobility

China Unveils Blink-Powered Device to Aid Paralysed Patients’ Mobility

Chinese researchers have unveiled a groundbreaking blink-powered eye-tracking device designed to help paralysed patients regain control over wheelchairs and assistive devices. The innovation captures energy generated by blinking to operate devices, offering new independence for individuals with ALS, spinal injuries, and severe mobility impairments.

The device, named ET‑TENG, uses a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) to convert eyelid movements into electrical signals, allowing users to navigate wheelchairs or communicate with technology without external batteries. Unlike traditional camera-based eye-tracking systems, ET‑TENG functions even in total darkness, making it more reliable for daily use.

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Developed through collaboration between Qingdao University and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, ET‑TENG demonstrated 99% accuracy in detecting eye movements as small as 2 degrees, ensuring precise control for patients. Experts say this technology could significantly improve quality of life and autonomy for people living with paralysis.

This innovation is part of a growing wave of assistive technologies and brain-computer interfaces (BCI) in China and globally, aimed at translating neuroscience breakthroughs into practical tools for patients with severe disabilities. Researchers hope ET‑TENG and similar devices will soon allow users to communicate, move independently, and interact with the world in ways that were previously impossible.

China Unveils Blink-Powered Device to Aid Paralysed Patients’ Mobility