South Korean engineers have introduced autonomous “smart” window technology to the public, which allows to significantly reduce energy consumption in buildings. The innovation belongs to the Blue Device company, established on the basis of the Korea Advanced Institute of Technology (KAIST), and was awarded the CES 2026 Innovation Awards in the “Sustainability and transition to environmentally friendly energy” category.
Unlike traditional “smart” systems, the new window does not require wires and external energy sources. The technology is based on a patented special liquid consisting of nanoparticles placed inside the glass. This solution ensures a long service life of the window, without requiring maintenance, making it suitable for both modern offices and facilities not connected to the power grid.
Existing “smart” windows of the electro-chromic or PDLC type require an external energy source and frequent film replacement, which leads to additional costs and carbon emissions. Blue Device’s solution uses internal solar panels and scattered light in the room to collect energy and eliminate the need for additional electricity.
The device can even harvest energy from room light, allowing it to operate continuously in cloudy weather and dense urban environments. The technology does not generate indirect carbon emissions and can reduce a building’s overall energy consumption by up to 40%. The wireless design simplifies installation, while the patented nanowire system reduces initial costs by more than 50%.
According to experts, buildings account for about 40% of the world’s energy consumption, and windows are one of the main sources of heat loss. The new “smart” window technology is seen as a significant step forward in the field of “green” construction and contributes to reducing the carbon footprint of modern infrastructure.
