Las Vegas, Nevada, Jan. 10, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Glass is more functional than people imagined. Mercedes recognized this in 2011 when it first introduced the SLK roadster with SPD-SmartGlass technology in the roof. Press a button and the MAGIC SKY CONTROL panoramic roof instantly switches from darkly tinted to clear. This feature has been used on tens of thousands of cars. Due to its popularity, it is now offered on 14 Mercedes-Benz model variants including the newest S-Class sedan.
SPD-SmartGlass gives car occupants the power to bring in more natural light and create an open-air feeling without having to open a window or sunroof. It makes them more comfortable, increases safety and security, and protects against harmful glare, heat and UV. This special glass also reduces noise, fuel consumption, and harmful CO2 emissions.
This remarkable smart glass technology and its benefits are being noticed by the automotive industry. At CES 2018, Fisker debuted its new Fisker E-Motion with a unique and innovative four-segment SPD SmartGlass roof.
In addition to use in its large curved panoramic roof, Fisker says that it plans to offer SPD-SmartGlass technology on the side windows of this new electric vehicle.
Independent calculations from automotive component supplier Continental Automotive also show that use of SPD-SmartGlass can reduce CO2 emissions by four grams per kilometer, and increases the driving range of electric vehicles by approximately 5.5 percent. Mercedes test data also shows a significant heat reduction inside the vehicle by up to 18ºF/10ºC.
To see the interesting ways that SPD-SmartGlass can interact with drivers and passengers in cars, please visit the Continental Automotive exhibit at CES, view this video they produced about their Intelligent Glass Control system, or visit their website to see how it makes cars safer, more private and comfortable, lighter and more energy-efficient.
Joseph M. Harary, President and CEO of Research Frontiers, the company which invented SPD-SmartGlass technology and licenses it throughout many different industries, noted: “SPD-SmartGlass is quickly becoming an integral part of connected homes, smart cities, and advanced vehicle design in cars, trains, boats and aircraft. It protects, saves energy, and makes information easier to view, and people safer and more comfortable. Here at CES, companies like Fisker, Continental Automotive, Corning, Texas Instruments, and Panasonic are showing the products that they have developed to make SPD-SmartGlass and its many benefits part of our daily lives.”
All of these products and systems are made possible using patented SPD-SmartGlass technology developed by Research Frontiers. SPD-SmartGlass technology switches tints from dark to clear in under 2 seconds by efficiently controlling the alignment of special nanoparticles inside the film. Users now have as much control over daylight and other ambient light as they have with any other light in their home, office or vehicle. They can turn it on with the flip of a switch, fine tune it with a dimmer, and even control it with a mobile application, smart home system, or even with their voice.
To experience the ways that SPD-SmartGlass is used in the automotive, aircraft, yacht, museum and architectural industries, please see this video.
About Research Frontiers Inc.
Research Frontiers (Nasdaq: REFR) is the developer of SPD-Smart light-control technology which allows users to instantly, precisely and uniformly control the shading of glass or plastic, either manually or automatically. Research Frontiers has built an infrastructure of over 40 licensed companies that collectively are capable of serving the growing global demand for smart glass products in automobiles, homes, buildings, museums, aircraft and boats. For more information, please visit our website at www.SmartGlass.com, and on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Note: From time to time Research Frontiers may issue forward-looking statements which involve risks and uncertainties. This press release contains forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ and are not guaranteed. Any forward-looking statements should be considered accordingly. “SPD-SmartGlass” is a trademark of Research Frontiers Inc. MAGIC SKY CONTROL, Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-Maybach and model designations SLC, SLK, SL and S-Class are trademarks of Daimler A.G.