January 16, 2020 – Mojo Vision has today announced that it is working to build a true smart contact lens, called ‘Mojo Lens’. Mojo Lens is a contact lens with a built-in display that gives the wearer information in a heads up display (HUD) style. The company calls this eyes-up experience “Invisible Computing”, wherein such a platform will enable information to be instantaneous, unobtrusive and available hands-free.
Mojo Vision has been researching and developing its technology and states that it holds patents critical to the development of an augmented reality (AR) smart contact lens dating back over 10 years. The company is currently demonstrating a working prototype of the device, and is conducting feasibility clinical studies for R&D iteration purposes under an Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval. The Mojo Lens is currently in the research and development phase and is not available for sale anywhere in the world.
Mojo Lens is designed to offer several uses to both consumers and enterprise. Additionally, the company is planning an early application of the product designed to help the visually impaired through enhanced image overlays, which will provide real-time contrast and lighting enhancements as well as zoom functionality. With its contact lens form factor, Mojo Vision states that its Mojo Lens could serve as a discrete low vision aid that allows a hands-free experience, while delivering enhanced functional vision to assist in mobility, reading, and sighting.
Mojo Vision states that its Mojo Lens incorporates a number of breakthroughs and proprietary technologies, including:
- The “smallest and densest dynamic display ever made”;
- Power-efficient image sensors optimized for computer vision;
- Custom wireless radio;
- Motion sensors for eye-tracking and image stabilization.
The Mojo Lens also includes the Mojo Vision 14K PPI Display, which delivers a pixel pitch of over 14,000ppi and a pixel density of over 200Mppi², according to the company.
“After extensive research, development, and testing, we are excited to reveal our product plans and begin sharing details about this transformative platform,” said Drew Perkins, CEO at Mojo Vision. “Mojo has a vision for Invisible Computing where you have the information you want when you want it and are not bombarded or distracted by data when you don’t. The technology should be helpful, and it should be available in the moment and fade away when you want to focus on the world around you.” Perkins continued, “The Mojo Lens is the first step in delivering Invisible Computing to the world. We look forward to sharing more information and demonstrating future prototypes as we get closer to bringing our product to market”.
Mojo also announced that it is working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through its Breakthrough Device Program, a voluntary program designed to provide safe and timely access to medical devices that can help treat irreversibly debilitating diseases or conditions. By receiving Breakthrough Device designation for the development of the Mojo Lens, Mojo will work directly with FDA experts to get feedback, prioritize reviews, and develop a final product that meets or exceeds safety regulations and standards.
Furthermore, Mojo Vision has announced a new partnership with Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, a Palo Alto-based nonprofit which offers rehabilitation services to more than 3,000 children and adults with blindness or impaired vision each year. Through the partnership, Vista Center clients will play a direct role in defining Mojo’s innovative technology and providing input to the company’s team of scientists and engineers. In turn, Mojo will be able to deliver better, more user-friendly devices to market, contribute to vision rehabilitation, and improve the quality of life for Vista Center clients and others with similar needs.
Mojo Vision states that it has raised over USD $100M in investments from NEA, Shanda Group, Khosla Ventures, Advantech, Gradient Ventures, HP Tech Ventures, Motorola Solutions, LG Electronics, Liberty Global, Fusion Fund, and others.
Image credit: Mojo Vision
About the author
Sam Sprigg
Sam is the Founder and Managing Editor of Auganix. With a background in research and report writing, he has been covering XR industry news for the past seven years.
