With Glass and Android Wear , Google has already invested a lot of time and resources into developing the next-generation of wearables, but it’s another of its eye-focused projects that has today received its first major boost. The search giant’s secret Google[x] team has confirmed that it’s licensed its smart eyewear to healthcare specialist Novartis, which will develop the technology into a product that can improve eye care and help manage diseases and conditions. As part of the agreement, Google[x] and Novartis’ eye care division Alcon will create smart lenses that feature “non-invasive sensors, microchips and other miniaturized electronics” and focus on two main areas. The first will provide a way for diabetic patients to keep on top of their glucose levels by measuring the sugar levels in their tear fluid, feeding the data back to a smartphone or tablet. The second solution aims to help restore the eye’s natural focus on near objects, restoring clear vision to those who are only farsighted (presbyopia). Google’s role will be to develop the tiny electronics needed to collect data and will also take care of the low-power chip designs and fabrication. Alcon, on the other hand, will apply its medical knowledge to develop commercial versions of the smart contact lens. “Our dream is to use the latest technology in the miniaturization of electronics to help improve the quality of life for millions of people, ” says Google co-founder Sergey Brin. “We are very excited to work with Novartis to make this dream come true.” Filed under: Wearables , Google Comments Source: Novartis

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Google strikes smart contact lens deal to track diabetes and cure farsightedness

They grow up so fast, don’t they? It seems like only yesterday that Boston Dynamics’ AlphaDog (aka LS3 ) robot was finding its legs , and yet it has already gone out on training exercises with the US Marine Corps for the first time. The cargo-hauling machine dutifully trotted behind a Marine squad traversing a simulated combat zone in Hawaii, proving that it could both navigate rough terrain and resupply other platoons that would otherwise have to wait for an ATV. As you can see in the clip below, this mechanized pup is still going through some growing pains. There are occasionally places LS3 can’t go, and it’s still pretty noisy. It won’t be jogging around the front line any time soon. However, the semi-realistic test run will help Boston Dynamics refine the ‘bot and get it truly battle-ready. And besides, it’s clear that the Marines are already warming up to their new companion — they’ve affectionately nicknamed it “Cujo.” [Image credit: Sgt. Sarah Dietz, US Marine Corps ] Filed under: Robots , Google Comments Via: Sploid Source: DVIDS

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Watch an AlphaDog robot venture into (simulated) battle for the first time

Samsung has announced that it has suspended dealings with one of its manufacturing partners after an activist organization found “serious and persistent” labor violations at a facility in China. China Labor Watch investigated Dongyang Shinyang Electronics and found multiple instances where at least three underage girls were hired to work 12-hour shifts making parts for Samsung’s phones. The report also alleges more widespread issues at the factory, including a lack of safety training or equipment, refusing to hire male workers and forcing employees to work up to 120 hours of overtime — more than three times the legal limit. Samsung has issued a public statement saying that it will no longer source parts from the factory pending a full investigation. For its part, Dongyang Shinyang claims that a local employment agency is responsible for hiring its personnel, and would have intervened if they “had any idea what was going on.” For now, however, Chinese authorities are involved, and if the claims are found to be true, then Samsung will sever ties with its former partner for good. [Image credit: China Labor Watch] Filed under: Cellphones , Samsung Comments Via: NY Times , (2) Source: China Labor Watch (.PDF) , Samsung Tomorrow

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Samsung cuts ties with factory following child labor findings