2023-08-30 04:40:02
News JVTech This “living” connected watch works thanks to a blob: a surprising invention to fight once morest electronic waste
Published on 08/30/2023 at 06:40
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In the idea of fighting once morest electronic waste, scientists have succeeded in creating a living connected watch. This one, rather than using a battery, works with a blob inside!
A living connected watch: the solution to fight once morest electronic waste?
In recent years, connected watches have flooded the market. Samsung, Apple, Garmin, Fitbit, Honor, etc. : the brands to market are numerous and strive to offer ever more advanced features to stand out from the crowd. It must nevertheless be admitted that most models end up looking alike and are in any case doomed to be replaced sooner or later.
Jasmine Lu and Pedro Lopes, scientists from the University of Chicago have looked into this question and developed a connected watch that can operate without batteries or batteries in order to reduce electronic waste. To do this, this prototype works using a blob installed under the watch face. As a reminder, a blob is a gelatinous living organism. Neither animal nor vegetable, this living being resembles a mould. It can be found in particular in forests under dead leaves.
“Immortal”, the blob is able to resume its growth even following being without food or water for years. In addition to that, this funny organism embodies an excellent electrical conductor. He is thus able to operate a connected watch on his own, at least certain functions.
© HCintegration
Of course, this “living” connected watch prototype does not have all the characteristics of a more classic model. The object developed by Jasmine Lu and Pedro Lopes only provides the wearer’s time and heart rate. However, following a study, the two scientists discovered that it was mainly these two features that interested the owners of connected bracelets and this on an occasional basis.
To be able to take advantage of these two options, there is nothing simpler: just feed the blob, much like a tamagotchi (a virtual animal that you have to feed and raise) ! At regular intervals, the user must supply water and oats to the blob placed in the watch. When the blob has grown to reach both sides of the watch and form an electrical circuit, the watch will turn on and display the time and heart rate. If the watch is not “fed”, the blob enters the sleep phase. This state is fortunately reversible since it is enough to feed it once more to wake it up.
The conclusions of the experiment
Five users were able to try this “living” connected watch for several weeks. During the premiere, they fed their blob on a regular basis so that they might use the watch. They were then instructed not to feed her anymore so that the blob would “dry out”. If the testers were initially confused by this prototype, they admitted to having then “attached” to the blob. They were sensitive to the fact that it was a question of a living being and felt guilty for no longer taking care of him.
If it is only a prototype for the moment, this invention between the tamagotchi and the connected object might one day make it possible to create more widely connected devices of a new kind and above all much more durable. By creating an emotional connection, the user tends to care more regarding their connected device. He might thus be less inclined to get rid of it and replace it.
If this type of device will not be available tomorrow, it is always possible to opt for more durable connected watches like the Solar models from Garmin. References such as the Instinct Solar or the Fēnix 7 Pro have the advantage of displaying foolproof resistance and excellent autonomy. In addition to that, these watches can be recharged thanks to their solar sensors. There are even tamagotchi smartwatches, although these are mostly aimed at children.
Purchase guide
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