BMW iX Flow is the world’s first color-changing car and here’s how it works – Times of India

In what can be called the first global, the German automaker bmw The iX Flow SUV was unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show. The iX Flow can switch its exterior color to black and white to suit the mood of the driver and save power. Although the iX Flow concept itself will not be made a production car, many aspects of the new design language will be implemented on future showroom models.
BMW IX The Flow is wrapped in “digital paper,” the same material used in the Kindle e-reader’s screen. The color change is induced by an electrical impulse, which makes it possible for the driver to change color. The car does not require electricity to hold its color and can be changed to reflective white on sunny days and heat-absorbing black in cold weather, increasing cabin comfort and driving range due to power conservation it occurs.
Digital Paper was originally developed by the students of MIT‘s media lab and works with the help of traditional ink pigments used in the printing industry. The sheet contains millions of microcapsules, filled with negatively charged white pigments and positively charged black pigments. These capsules are driven by electricity that causes the ink of the chosen color to be carried across the surface, becoming visible from the outside.

BMW developed a triangle mesh pattern using a generative algorithm to mold a plastic sheet, which was laser-cut into precise sections. Once the segments are applied and a power supply is connected to stimulate the electric field, the entire body is heated and sealed to ensure uniform color reproduction during every color change.

Despite the fact that BMW has yet to announce plans to integrate this technology into its actual fleet, it is expected that carmakers may adopt it for various parts of the car, especially the interiors. . Applications can include a color-changing dashboard that does not overheat, adding to the cabin appeal. BMW also said that the technology shouldn’t be too hard to repair, making it more productive.