This Robotic ‘Third Eye’ Lets You Safely Look Down At Your Phone While Walking

Generally speaking, I think we can all agree that when you’re walking in a public place, it’s better to keep your eyes ahead of you and watch where you’re going, not only for your personal safety but to avoid injuring or even annoying other people. Seriously, put down your phone for five seconds, people! And if you can’t, at least start using this robotic third eye that looks for you when you refuse to do it yourself.

  1. It’s a pretty clever invention. While working on his Innovation Design Engineering degree at the Royal College of Art and Imperial College in London, clever student Minwook Paeng came up with the robotic third eye as a cheeky nod to the “phono-sapiens” that need it. It allows users to walk around with their eyes cast downwards towards their phone while still being (somewhat) aware of their surroundings.
  2. The user attaches the “eye” to their forehead. It even has an “eyelid” that can open or close depending on what the wearer is doing. If the user is looking up and paying attention, the eyelid closes. When they’re looking down, the eyelid opens so the eye can function. This way, if something comes up that the wearer could bump into, they’ll be alerted via an ultrasonic sensor.
  3. The technology in the product is impressive. As Paeng explained in an interview with Dezeen: “The black component that looks like a pupil is an ultrasonic sensor for sensing distance. When an obstacle is in front of the user, the ultrasonic sensor detects this and informs the user via a connected buzzer.” This could save a lot of painful accidents to be sure.
  4. While people should pay attention, Paeng realizes that’s just not happening. The fact that something like this could be needed in the future is pretty sad, but it’s just how things go. As Paeng points out, it’s the “inevitable reality” that since people are addicted to technology, they’ll no doubt require interventions to make navigating normal tasks a bit easier. However, he does hope that people will engage in some “self-reflection” in the meantime.

 

Bolde has been a source of dating and relationship advice for single women around the world since 2014. We combine scientific data, experiential wisdom, and personal anecdotes to provide help and encouragement to those frustrated by the journey to find love. Follow us on Instagram @bolde_media or on Facebook @BoldeMedia
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