US Army & ASU Create Flexible Displays

Imagine the utility of nearly indestructible flexible displays? After years of research it looks like scientist have finally been able to mold that dream into a reality. With help from the US Army, Arizona State University's Flexible Display center has been able to produce a prototype (shown above) that can be sewn in a sleeve of a hoodie, or military uniform. In the future, combat soldiers may be able to receive "real-time readouts of positions and battle operations."

The U.S. Army established the Flexible Display Center at ASU in February 2004 to spearhead the next revolution in information displays. FDC collaborates with academia, industry and government on rapid technology development, innovation and integration to create a new generation of innovative displays that are flexible, lightweight, low power and rugged. These revolutionary displays will usher in a new era of powerful real-time information sharing through ubiquitous commercial and military application in everything from portable pocket-held and vehicle-mounted devices to permanent and temporary conferencing/command rooms.

The technology was named as one of the top 10 technology breakthroughs of 2008 by Wired Magazine. They're likely to be more of a reality for consumers in 2010 or 2011.

[Image curtesy of Philip Spears]