The electronic eye is a noteworthy invention of 2009

November 24, 2009

The device was developed by MIT, and could restore partial vision to the blind, the magazine reports.

By pairing special eyeglasses with a microchip into the patient's eye, the device could enable the visually impaired to see some images. The glasses would be able to pick up basic images and then transmit them to the microchip, which could send the images directly to the brain.

The technology could not simulate normal vision, but would allow the vision impaired to recognize faces and experience greater mobility, according to the news source.

Another notable vision-related invention on the list was the first handheld microwave camera. The device cannot cook you dinner, but it can see through walls. It aims to make construction projects easier by allowing users to see pipes or beams before breaking down drywall. We're sure there are other uses for it, too.

Other inventions that made the cut include the bladeless fan, silk derived from spider webs, a fashion model robot and a steam-powered car.