Self-powered eye-computer interaction via a triboelectric nanogenerator

With the emergence of new communication technologies, smart devices have been playing an increasingly important role in our daily lives. Such devices, typically controlled through voice or hand gestures, serve as disability assistance or in the enhancement of convenience in daily tasks. Eye movement represents a relatively untapped resource for assistive human-computer interaction (HCI) systems with considerable utility, particularly for passive sensing applications and as assistance for people with disabilities. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are a compelling alternative to conventional sensors, owing to their high sensitivity, short response time, wearability, and low cost. This review delves into various TENG-based wearable sensors that have demonstrated applications in eye movement monitoring and the broader HCI domain. We also provide a perspective on the challenges that have inhibited the commercialization of these sensors and possible applications of such technology for eye healthcare.