A glass that gives an automatic signal when nearly empty so the waiter can top it up. A novel idea developed by Japanese researchers at Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories in Cambridge, Massachusetts, reports the popular scientific magazine New Scientist. An interaction takes place between a microchip and a coil in the foot of the glass and a coating on the outer surface of the glass.

The coating conducts electricity and enables the glass to act as a capacitor, a device that can store electrical energy. While we drink there is less contact between the glass and the liquid inside, thus reducing the electrical capacity. The microchip signals this change and, by means of a coil, informs when the level is sufficiently low to call for a refill. A code in the chip identifies each glass separately and can be used to send signals to mobile devices carried on the person of waiters or bar staff.

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