Rob Spence pioneers bionic camera eye after an accident
Rob Spence creates world's first bionic camera eye following a shooting accident
Most people would be devastated to lose an eye, but Rob Spence saw an opportunity. Known as the ‘Eyeborg’, Rob lost his eye following a childhood shooting accident. He recounted to CNN Business in 2011 that he was playing with a 12-gauge shotgun and attempted to shoot a pile of cow manure, but mishandled the gun. With his eye pressed against the gun like in cowboy movies, the accident occurred.
After numerous surgeries to save his eye, Rob eventually had to have it removed due to cornea degeneration. Rather than feeling defeated, he immediately began planning to replace his lost eye with a camera.
Rob received help from Kosta Grammatis, an independent radio-frequency engineer and designer, to create the innovative camera eye. This wireless camera sits behind a prosthetic eye and includes a micro transmitter, a small battery, a miniature camera, and a magnetic switch for turning it on and off.
Martin Ling, an electrical engineer, later assisted in developing a tiny circuit board that processes the camera’s data and transmits it via a receiver, according to LiveScience. The camera eye, however, is not connected to Rob’s optic nerve.
Rob expressed to CNN that he initially feared people would think he was joking when he sought help for his camera eye, but this was not the case. Engineers, he noted, have a love for science fiction and pop culture, making them enthusiastic about the project.
Rob’s eye can capture up to 30 minutes of video before needing a recharge. As a filmmaker, he has utilised this unique perspective in his work, which was a primary motivation for developing the device.
According to Rob’s website, multiple versions of the camera eye have been created, including a clear shell to display the tech inside, a realistic-looking version, and a red glowing Terminator version.
Rob’s pioneering technology earned him a spot in the Guinness World Records as the first bionic-camera-equipped false eye in 2009. He revealed to the BBC that he drew inspiration from a Six Million Dollar Man action figure he had as a child.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who is Rob Spence?
Rob Spence, known as the ‘Eyeborg’, is a filmmaker who replaced his lost eye with a camera.
How did Rob Spence lose his eye?
He lost his eye in a childhood shooting accident involving a 12 gauge shotgun.
What does Rob’s camera eye consist of?
The camera eye includes a micro transmitter, small battery, miniature camera, and magnetic switch.
Can Rob Spence see through his camera eye?
No, the camera eye is not connected to his optic nerve.
What recognition did Rob Spence’s camera eye achieve?
His camera eye was listed as the first bionic-camera-equipped false eye in the Guinness World Records in 2009.
