Smart glasses expand into horticulture and privacy detection

Smart glasses are finding diverse applications ranging from industrial agriculture to privacy protection. In the horticultural sector, researchers from Wageningen University & Research are exploring the use of smart glasses to assist in plant breeding. Specifically, the technology allows workers to count aphids on curved leaves using voice commands, keeping their hands free for manual tasks. The Belgian manufacturer Iristick provides hardware capable of running local software and producing high-quality imagery suitable for these demanding environments.

Simultaneously, the rise of wearable cameras has prompted new privacy tools. Developer Pawel Szydlowski has created the Zuckoff app to help users detect nearby smart glasses. The application identifies these devices by scanning for specific Bluetooth signals, providing users with a warning if a smart glass is in their vicinity. While the app cannot confirm if a user is actively being filmed, it serves as a tool to increase awareness regarding potential surveillance in public spaces.