This is far more than just a smart home gadget. It’s a vision I’ve been working on for the last two years.
I’ve invented and fine-tuned this system here in my own space, pushing well beyond the standard applications of AR. The state of the art still requires glasses or lenses to see the augmented reality and motion sensors or cameras for interactiononthe body.
With my current setup, I’ve integrated the technology into my everyday glasses, and the advanced motion sensors are spread out all over my apartment. This means I at least don’t have to wear heavy equipment anymore.
Yet, what I’m developing is poised to revolutionize our interaction with technology. My goal is to pioneer a lensless AR system—an interface driven entirely by voice commands and hand gestures, eliminating the need to wear any physical hardware at home. This idea initially stemmed from the gesture detection system I created to manage my hair-pulling habit. That small personal project planted the seed for something much bigger.
When life gives you lemons and all that…
Now, my apartment is rigged with a complex network of cameras to give the system the ability to track my motions and infrared sensors that blanket the space with digital projections.These holograms create an environment where I can manipulate virtual objects just by reaching out—like the futuristic controls of a spaceship, but it’s just your everyday digital workspace floating right before you.
Imagine sitting on the couch and writing an email with just the screen and keyboard the AR provides for you. You’re essentially typing on air.
The underlying technology incorporates very advanced motion detection that continuously scans the room. But it doesn’t simply track movement like the smart home devices currently on the market that can be faulty if you sit still for too long.
It thermal maps, distinguishing between living beings and inanimate objects, and knows where anyone is in the room at all times. And while practically scanning you nonstop, it also monitors your health. By detecting changes in body temperature and other physiological signals like an increased heart rate, the system can assess if I’m getting ill or feeling stressed, providing a seamless health overview without any physical contact.
This was more of an unexpected side effect of the programming, but I went with it, and it’s fascinating, even if it’s only a prototype. I can’t wait to see how far programmers who are actually specialized in medical devices can take this feature.
The only thing left to engineer is the infrared sensors, making things visible to the naked eye without the help of the glasses. This step is the most difficult, and I’m struggling to figure it out, but I knowI’m close.
At work, officially developing such a project would mean endless reviews, risk assessments, and probably having to share credit. Not to mention that I’m working in the wrong department for this kind of thing.
Here, I can push the boundaries without interference or the risk of someone claiming it wasn’t my idea or altering it beyond recognition. This ismybaby, the project of a lifetime.
The downside, of course, is that if Elysium finds out I’m developing this using their resources, even indirectly, it could mean serious trouble.
And in that case, the stolen neon tetras would be the last thing to worry about.
I could lose my job, or worse, they could take legal action if they think I’ve stolen company secrets, even though I’ve only used open-source tools and my own ideas and abilities. However, the smart home devices I’m manipulating for my project are definitely their property.
That’s why it’s crucial no one knows until it’s ready to be pitched, complete and undeniable in its potential. No company would be dumb enough to question such an innovation if it were delivered on a gold platter.
“How about we make this a little more fun,” I muse, opening the AR interface and adjusting settings with a swipe of my hand.
The tank’s filtration system responds accordingly, creating a gentle current that mimics a natural habitat for the tetras. As I watch the tiny fish begin to explore their new home, a wave of satisfaction washes over me. This is what technology should be about— enhancing life, not just for humans but for all forms of life.
THREE
How about Harry,Meghan, Kate, and William?
I couldn’t sleep last night because they need names.
Pets need names, right?But how do I tell them apart? It’s basically impossible. And how many names from British monarchs can I use if I rescue more of them? I mean, I know a lot about the monarchy, buta thousand names?
Musing over this trivial yet somehow pressing issue, I stare at my computer screen, not really seeing the lines of code blinking back at me. Normally, I’m focused at work, at least on a good day. I didn’t end up at Elysium because it was my dream job—I chose it because it was my ticket out, my escape from the life my parents had meticulously planned for me.
This wasn’t about ambition. It was about survival.
Elysium offered the freedom to prove myself on my terms, using my potential away from their overbearing expectations. Even if I had ended up designing smart toilets, it would have been worth it to put the ocean between them and me.
If working on the moon had been an option, I would’ve taken it.
The only pang of regret is for my brother, August. He’s back in London, living his life with his wife and two daughters, working as a lawyer, just like our father.
At least he emails every now and then when his busy life allows.
August is ten years older than me and was allowed to choose his path and study in the US, attending Harvard just like our father had.
