NANONANONANO

The implications of nanotechnology has always been morally unaccepted. That's a shame too because although the longterm implications of nanomaterials on society is questionable, in the short-term, there are a lot of cool things stemming from the advancements. Case-in-point, the wiperless windshield.

The awesome feature is part of the prototype car "Hidra" by Leonardo Fioravanti for Pininfarina (the design team that has been hired to design cars for Ferrari, Maserati, and Volvo, to name a few). It is the first car without wipers.

How it works is by the car's aerodynamic design but mainly, from a special nanotech glass that has four surface treatments. The first is based on titanium dioxide, which filters the sun and gives the glass its hydrophobic attribute. The second layer is made of microscopic "nano-dust" which pushes dirt to the sides of the glass, which is a cleaning mechanism that is activated by the third layer. The fourth layer is what keeps everything together and running because it conducts the electricity needed to keep this elaborate operation of a windshield going.

The tech has been slated for mass production within 5 years. Even though I personally hate driving in the rain, I think this technology will really change the perception of driving when it's raining outside. "Out with the old, in with the new" indeed.



-Rack of Lam