Museum of Science and Industry

How would you like a door lock that opens to your touch and your touch only? Instead of giving someone a key to your house while you’re gone, just program the lock to recognize their bones! Wait… what? Yes. Well, not quite yet, but a technology being prototyped at AT&T Labs sends vibrations from your smartphone through your bones. This piezoelectric signal is received by the door handle when you touch it, and if it’s the right signal, the door unlocks. Since density and length of bones vary from person to person, in theory these signals will degrade uniquely, so the neighbors can’t come in and steal the pie off your windowsill. Such a neat Smart Home style technology!

Doors Unlock With Keyed Vibrations Sent From Your Smartphone Through Your Bones [PopSci]

Image: iStockphoto