The pigment-shifting window that responds to light - and could help slash energy costs
Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed dynamic window panels that mimic the pigment-shifting cells of squids to regulate light and heat. These panels aim to retrofit existing buildings to significantly reduce energy consumption for heating and lighting.
Why it matters
Buildings account for a massive portion of global energy usage, and this technology offers a scalable way to improve the efficiency of existing infrastructure without full replacement.
Benjamin Hatton spends a lot of time contemplating the perfect window.
In the summer, it would keep out the sun's heat while letting in light. In winter, it would let in both light and heat. It would scatter and evenly distribute light on overly bright days to keep a building naturally lit.
In short, the perfect window would act a little like a squid.
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