JEDDAH: Abeer bint Matar Al-Harthi, a researcher from Saudi Arabia, took the silver medal when she finished second in the Korea International Women’s Invention Exposition, an event in which 300 people took part. Al-Harthi earned plaudits for her invention of augmented reality glasses, designed with smart lenses to aid the visually impaired. The exposition, which was dedicated to the inventive ideas of women, took place in Seoul, from July 22 to 25. Abeer bint Matar Al-Harthi, a researcher from Saudi Arabia, was awarded the silver medal, ranking second in the Korea International Womens Invention Exposition which was held from July 22 to 25. (Photo/Twitter) KIWIE aims to discover and promote women’s inventions, nurture the culture of invention, and facilitate the exchange of ideas among female inventors. Al-Harthi’s AR glasses featured smart lenses utilizing eye print technology for identity protection. The glasses possess the ability to automatically switch from transparent to dark mode. Additionally, they offer assistance to the visually impaired by enabling them to sense objects in their surroundings. FAST FACT Abeer Al-Harthi’s AR glasses featured smart lenses utilizing eye print technology for identity protection. The glasses possess the ability to automatically switch from transparent to dark mode. Additionally, they offer assistance to the visually impaired by enabling them to sense objects in their surroundings. Al-Harthi said that her AR glasses had sensors on the temple arms, allowing them to connect seamlessly with a mobile phone and GPS through specific commands. She said that the arms also contained a small storage unit housing miniature headphones that offered real-time translation and voice command capabilities. This feature would prove advantageous, especially for the hearing impaired. Al-Harthi is a specialist at Irada and Mental Health Complex in Taif. Following her success she said her recognition was part of a trend among Saudi women in various fields, as a result of their empowerment through Vision 2030. She was honored at the Saudi Embassy in Seoul, and shared the experience on Twitter. She said: “Today, I was invited to the Saudi Embassy in Seoul, where I was received by the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the Republic of Korea Sami M. Alsadhan and also His Excellency Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Dail, his cultural attache. We were warmly received and honored with a certificate of appreciation and also a souvenir. Thank you.”