We've seen them in movies so we can see them at night. These glasses take advantage of infrared rays to be able to see the bodies that emit heat. But since they have to use a system that lowers the temperature to -193°C in order to function, they tend to be very expensive and heavy. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute, located in the German city of Duisburg, have developed the instrument to operate with infrared rays and without refrigeration.

Through this system, infrared ray technology can take the path to nanotechnology and be useful in a wide range of industrial applications. One of the first uses is foreseen in the automotive industry, especially when it comes to driving at night to be able to detect people and animals. Another short-term use may be the detection of people who have been locked up in their homes in the event of a fire.