E Ink’s Solar-Powered Autonomous Tiles Allow Wireless Electronic Displays

Static surfaces are so last century. Applying technology developed at MIT, electrophoretic ink specialist E Ink has invented an architectural plastic film laminated with millions of pigmented microcapsules suspended in clear fluid. When a positive or negative electrical field is applied, particles move to the surface and become visible. The product line has since expanded with Autonomous Tiles, segmented outdoor versions that are lightweight, flexible, and solar-powered. The peel-and-stick components allow for one-of-a-kind color- and pattern-changing electronic displays without wires. Witness Ueberall International’s facade installation on the rental-car center at the San Diego International Airport.