Invisibility Cloak and Other Applications

I read an article about an invisibility cloak and was quite impressed with how the technology works. It was developed by a group from the University of Tokyo and essentially the material of the cloak allows for a digital camera located behind the fabric to record the images and display them on the material providing the appearance of transparency. This is termed “optical camouflage”.

It was more impressed to understand this technology as more than just magic tricks on the street. I actually saw how this cloak can be quite hazardous to the user. In NYC the user can be hit by traffic or run into by other pedestrians simply because they are not visible. I was also concerned about utilizing this technology for criminal purposes.

The article went on to show the benefits of the technology. The cockpit in aircraft could project the underside of the plane while landing allowing the pilots to have a transparent view of the runway and the landing gears. Cars could utilize the technology to eliminate blind spots and decrease the number of vehicle accidents. I am a large advocate of safety for our troops overseas and the example of hiding military vehicles would certainly increase their safety. I worry that if the “enemy” has the same technology we could be at a disadvantage but I believe that radar, heat scans and other new technologies could limit the “invisibility” of the vehicles.

This is an extraordinary new innovation and when utilized in a morally responsible manner benefit society greatly. As with all innovations without monitoring they can be used to influence society in a negative fashion.