What Is Smart Glass And How Does It Play A Role In Your Vehicle?
The automobile has come leaps and bounds since its creation over a century ago. And with the technological advances vehicles have made lately, it's no wonder that additional car features have followed suit. Take a vehicle's auto glass, for instance. This feature can sometimes be taken for granted, yet it provides a level of safety that wasn't available on the first motor vehicles.
Today, auto glass manufacturers are developing high-tech models that can enhance your everyday drive. Read on to learn more about smart glass, the newest innovation in the automobile industry. We'll go over what this feature is, what it does, and — ultimately — what it means for you and your car.
So, What Is Smart Glass Exactly?
Smart glass goes by a couple of names in the industry, including switchable glass, intelligent glass, or light control glass (LCG®). It's essentially a type of glass that has multiple smart features that enhance everyday living and make driving a more luxurious experience.
Smart glass originally worked in the architectural and construction industries, and contractors often used smart glass in windows or inside a building. Now, however, smart glass has taken the automotive industry by storm, and you'll currently find this kind of auto glass only on vehicles from premium car manufacturers, such as McLaren and Mercedes-Benz. However, car manufacturers hope to include smart glass as a standard feature on all vehicles sometime in the future.
Additionally, smart glass capabilities extend to multiple internal and external parts of a vehicle, allowing for seemingly endless opportunities to make the hum-drum routine of driving much more unique and extravagant.
How Is Smart Glass Made — and Who Is Responsible?
Current industry reports indicate that manufacturers work with Research Frontiers — whose scientists have developed this smart technology — to cover pieces of glass with a nanotechnology-based film. Other organizations and manufacturers have started partnering with Research Frontiers in the hopes of expanding smart glass applications and use in standard vehicles and situations.
For example, one manufacturing company in Germany recently began building a new factory so they can focus on incorporating smart glass controls on the vehicles they produce. Other manufacturers around the globe, primarily in North America and Japan have also made headway on including smart glass features in their vehicles.
A few markets, however, such as India and China, are expanding. And while smart glass isn't currently a priority for vehicle production in these regions currently, many manufacturers hope that growing the auto industry here will allow for more focus on this innovative technology.
What Are Its Applications?
As mentioned above, vehicle manufacturers are currently using smart glass in luxury vehicles for the moment. But these applications will extend to more standard vehicles so consumers can benefit from this incredible technology.
Safety Features
Distracted driving has been a primary concern across the globe. Smart glass can project certain things onto a windshield, such as fuel levels, warnings, speed, and even text messages, thus allowing drivers to keep their eyes more focused on the road.
Some of these features, such as warnings, will also appear on side mirrors. In fact, it's an extension of a current feature on some cars, where side mirrors blink or the car alerts drivers when another car too closely approaches the side of a vehicle.
Safety extends beyond physical safety while driving and can also focus on skin safety. It's no surprise that long exposure to the sun and UV rays causes potentially severe skin damage. But thanks to smart glass, drivers and passengers can greatly reduce their exposure and mitigate their risk.
For instance, an electric current can run through the smart glass film to adjust the tinting on windows, windshields, and sunroofs. This tinting blocks out over 99% of harmful rays from the sun but is still transparent enough for drivers to see clearly and safely.
Entertainment
Keeping passengers occupied on long road trips can be taxing, but not with smart glass. Eventually, applications will extend to the entertainment sphere, displaying movies and shows on the windshield at the touch of a button. And as cars become more fully automated, "drivers" can also enjoy this unique perk.
Advertising
Smart glass can also tailor advertising drivers and passengers are exposed to while in a car. When someone in the vehicle activates the tinting feature, location-based ads and other content can display on the projection screen.
What Does This Mean for the Future?
In a short summary, more smart glass applications in vehicles means safer driving with a more luxurious feel. As the technology becomes more widespread and more affordable to use in standard vehicles, it's likely consumers will see more smart glass–equipped automobiles at dealerships and on the roads.
Despite the innovations that have arisen in the auto glass industry, and regardless of where smart glass may lead us all, auto glass can still sustain damage. Whatever issues you have, get in touch with our experts at MS Glass Outlet. Our highly experienced technicians are trained and certified, ensuring we can handle any of your auto glass needs.
