If you spent anywhere near as much time sat in front of your computer screen as I do, you’ll agree that the whole pointing and clicking thing with the mouse gets really tiresome.

Wouldn’t it be great if someone came up with a way to navigate through your browser and files without actually having to lift a finger?

Well, they have done, and the technology could be available as early as next year. Among the demonstrations at this year’s CEATEC, an eye-catching new technology from Fujitsu and Docomo has the potential to change the way we interact with our computers forever, bringing with it the potential to take productivity to a whole new level.

Eye-tracking technology is the biggest major trope out of Japan this year, with Fujitsu proudly showing off a prototype PC and tablet device with a built in infrared LED ‘eye sensor’.

The technology is idiot-proof too – the built-in camera works by capturing the reflection in the computer user’s eye, then uses image processing algorithms to calculate exactly which point he or she is looking at on the computer screen, allowing for hands-free navigation of the cursor at all times.

The new devices are likely to be much cheaper than other eye-catching solutions currently available, say Fujitsu.  All of the components (camera and image processing software) are directly integrated into the computer, meaning that no clunky, external hardware is required.

Fujitsu eye-tracking technology

The Verge had a brief look at Docomo’s demo booth at CEATEC, where the prototype Fujitsu devices were on show. With no calibration required, users were able to navigate their way around a balloon-popping game, an e-book reader, and a photo app, with the minimum of fuss. Other controls include the ability to scroll up and down the screen, and even zoom in and out, all without lifting so much as a finger.

Fujitsu’s devices are only prototypes, but the Japanese firm hopes to make the technology commercially available as soon as next year, together with other application technologies that can take advantage of its capabilities, including those based on an understanding of what captures a user’s attention and interest.