Ink that changes color like a chameleon?

PhotoChromeleon is a system using photochromic dyes that can change color using ultraviolet rays developed by MIT CSAIL (Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory).

Photochromic dye is a special dye that develops color by shining ultraviolet rays. Photochromeon is applied to objects by mixing photochromic dyes such as cyan, magenta, and yellow in a solution to be sprayed with a spray. Moreover, it is possible to change the color of the applied surface by irradiating the color and design programmed by the user using a projector and UV light. The changed color does not change under natural light, and multiple retries are made when using UV light. However, if it is about the size of a shoe and a model car, it takes about 15-40 minutes.

CSAIL built a system called ColorMod using the same photochromic dye in 2018. It was intended to create an object that can later change color using a 3D printer, but there was a problem that the resolution was too low and the color was limited because the color for each pixel was transparent or because only one color could not be set.

On the other hand, Photochromeon is characterized by high resolution and supporting various colors. The research team will also work with materials scientists to make the dyes used in photochromeons more perfect, and car maker Ford is already showing interest in the system. Port side said that it expects to reduce the process required for the production of multi-colored parts or improve resistance to weathering and deterioration caused by UV rays. Related information can be found here .