Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) (NASDAQ:GOOG) known for its way ahead of time innovative thinking has been taking some good measures like making Internet available in every corner of the world, making an eye-wear with some awesome capabilities, and now it has plans of making lens capable of tracking the glucose-level in the diabetic wearers apart from other things.
Small lens with big benefits
The smart lens will be jointly manufactured by Google and Alcon, which is the eye care division of Novartis AG (ADR) (NYSE:NVS) – a Switzerland based pharmaceutical company. The lens makes use of the user’s tears to keep a close eye on the level of blood glucose, and was unveiled for the first time in January.
Google had developed a separate team to working on its ‘moonshot’ projects, and the team’s success has won it another opportunity to work on another major project of Google. This team known as ‘Google X’ will now develop the lens and improvise on its features in collaboration with Alcon. To ensure that the final version of the product works accurately and seamlessly at all times, the product requires “non-invasive sensors, microchips and other miniaturized electronics.”
The device will serve multiple purposes. Apart from keeping a check on the glucose levels, the secondary purpose for which the device could be put to use is curing presbyopia and helping to improve the vision for people suffering with long-sightedness.
A perfect alliance
While Google has an expertise in miniaturized electronics, low power chip design and micro-fabrication while Alcon can boast of its expertise in physiology and visual performance of the eye, clinical development and evaluation, as well as commercialization of contact and intraocular lenses. Jointly these two will produce an innovative device that will serve millions of people suffering from diabetes.
Google’s innovative “Smart Lens” technology will be licensed by Novartis enabling it to bring a major transformation in the field of eye care. Alcon, presently, enjoys a leadership status, when it comes to contact lenses and intraocular lenses, and the collaboration with internet giant will further enhance its capabilities.
“Our dream is to use the latest technology in the miniaturization of electronics to help improve the quality of life for millions of people,” Google’s Sergey Brin said. “We are very excited to work with Novartis to make this dream come true.”
