Vuzix Smart Glasses Enables Continuous Research of Blood Cells and the COVID-19 Virus at Newcastle University
AREA Member Vuzix recently published a press release announcing Newcastle University’s deployment of their M400 Smart Glasses. The technology is being used for remote support among academics and staff across home offices and lab sites in the process of researching blood cells and diseases, including COVID-19.
Newcastle University has the Newcastle Flow Cytometry Core Facility, an advanced research lab and technology platform. Cytometry involves a team of experts operating and maintaining the systems used to perform blood cell analysis (cytometers), and also to train other scientists. These systems are in different physical locations, and each team member has a different skill set, causing difficulties in aligning personnel with the appropriate platform. COVID-19 exacerbates this issue, as the team is split between home and on-site work in “bio-bubble” groups, and face-to-face training and support for the program has been suspended.
The Vuzix M400 Smart Glasses were chosen to provide remote support and training to the team at Newcastle University, as the majority of the lab research is hands-on and requires freedom of both hands for safe, effective experiment conduct and system operation. The Smart Glasses enable hands-free work, and can also be configured with safety glasses.
Dr. Andrew Filby, Director of the Newcastle Flow Cytometry Core and Lead of the Innovation, Methodology, and Innovations Research Theme, gives the following advantages of the Vuzix M400 Smart Glasses:
- Noise cancellation – useful for high-ambient noise level environments
- Image stabilisation
- Zoom functions – useful for close detail work
- Compatible with renowned streaming and remote support platforms such as Zoom and TeamViewer
- Easy and intuitive operation and control
- Rugged – can withstand lab environment
- Ensures expert support and training is available remotely
President and CEO of Vuzix, Paul Travers, concludes by stating that Vuzix Smart Glasses are being more widely recognised by international organisations, and that they are proud to have their technology embraced most recently by Newcastle University.
Read more about Vuzix on their AREA member profile here.