Researchers in Laval and Florida have been developing thin lenses made of polymers and glass that react to electric currents and change their focal length. The range is currently 60cm-infinity — not quite good enough for human optics (I like being able to see stuff within 60cm, personally) but certainly useful for cameras and other optical applications, and certainly a step in the right direction. When we are able to focus accurately using a single fixed lens and no moving parts that’s one fewer mechanical failure to worry about.
You can read articles about the Laval group and the Florida group.
