Volkswagen crafts electrophoretic bumper sticker, road rage imminent

Volkswagen is making absolutely sure that it doesn't fall behind the curve with regard to technology, as its Electronics Research Laboratory in Palo Alto, CA is hard at work on an electrophoretic bumper sticker. While this creation may not go far in producing more aerodynamic vehicles or burning less fuel, the novelty factor is high nonetheless. The company states that its sure-to-be-popular add-on is a "wafer-thin, highly flexible foil that can display text and images like a computer monitor," and envisions drivers of the future letting fellow roadsters "know how they're feeling as moods change." While we can't imagine the tell-tale sticker having much good to say while stuck in rush hour traffic (or just after being pulled over), it's just one more distraction to keep from paying attention to what matters most.

[Via CNET]

[Jeff @ Nov 9th 2006 11:24AM]

Who in their right minds thinks this is a good idea? Every time I see one of these electronic license plate message devices, I instantly think of some road raged driver shooting or otherwise hunting down another driver. Please folks, let's not encourage on-road hostility any more than what is already out there. This belonged in that old SNL skit about "Bad Idea Jeans". Another lawsuit waiting to happen.

[PDubNYC @ Nov 9th 2006 11:43AM]

I don't really see how it attaches. If can be just peeled off somehow, it would seem pretty easy to steal.

I really don't see this thing causing people to fly off the handle any more than a normal annoying bumper sticker. How about people just calm the F down, rather than society having to alter what it does to avoid risking "setting them off".

Either way, I won't be owning one of these. Not a fan of bumper stickers in general. I chose to spout off on here, rather than my bumper.

[Harry @ Nov 9th 2006 11:51AM]

I'd like to tell a driver to stop tailgaiting me, or to turn his brights off. But how do you change the text? I'd hate to see everyone trying to type while driving so they can update their bumper stickers. *L*

[jason @ Nov 9th 2006 9:06PM]

Harry-

I can't believe you're the only person to have realized that. I'm in 100% accordance with you. I think the Feds need to nip it in the butt and make a law against it (and I'm against the Feds making a law about every last thing).

[silky_z @ Nov 9th 2006 11:54AM]

Mmm... now if you could get it in color and cover the whole car with it.
you wouldn't need to pay money for car color and you can put digital decals and stripes on you car. ;)

[Matt B @ Nov 9th 2006 11:56AM]

How about a built it megaphone so I can just yell my 2 cents at other drivers. You know, things like:

The light won't get any greener.
C'mon retard!!! (my wife's least favorite)


the list is endless really.

[dude @ Nov 9th 2006 12:17PM]

I know a guy who installed a PA system into his car like the cops have. If he's picking someone up he uses it to yell at them to hurry up as they are walking to the car. He used it to appoligize to the people waiting for a long time behind us at the drive thru ATM and sometimes he uses it to say stuff to people on the side of the road. The look of confusion on people's faces is absolutley priceless.

[rafa @ Nov 9th 2006 11:57AM]

I've always wanted a LED display on the back of my car to tell retards here in Miami that the left lane isn't for going as slow as possible, as well as other rules that drivers here don't respect.

[Galley @ Nov 9th 2006 7:41PM]

Folks used to do that during the mid-70s C.B. Radio craze.

[Lonnie McClure @ Nov 9th 2006 12:36PM]

I wonder how well electrophoretic displays deal with sub-freezing temperatures.

If it isn't a problem, supplementary electrophoretic brake/turn signals that change from black or body color to red might be a good idea for bright sunny days (when conventional lights are least effective).

[Count Porkula @ Nov 9th 2006 12:45PM]

C'mon retard!!! (my wife's least favorite)

Yep, same wife problem here, except its b/c of my "insensitive" comments about all these old bastards driving around (if you can actually call it driving). They belong in nursing homes, not behind the wheel of a 4,000 lb. Buick. Logan's Run had it right.

[Mike @ Nov 9th 2006 1:09PM]

Ohhh, I want one to hack as a license plate :) It could contain my real licence image, but flip (at my command) to something different as I pass through the freeway speed cameras. Way easier than the rotating plate scenario on the Transporter movie.

[Fred @ Nov 9th 2006 2:42PM]

I'd want it to be able to say:

* "Slow traffic keep right" as I pass on the right side some jackass in the fast lane

* "Hang up your damn phone!"

* "Stop staring. It's rude."

* "Thanks for cutting me off!"

* "Thanks for holding up traffic!"

[tevetorbes @ Nov 9th 2006 3:22PM]

Just fyi:

Electrophoresis is a separation technique used by chemists to separate molecules based upon their charge. An "electrophoretic" bumper sticker doesn't make any sense.

You probably meant "electroluminescent" or possibly "chemiluminscent" (depending on the mechanism for light emission) but its highly unlikely that they have developed an electrophoretic anything, unless VW is getting into the business of separating protein fragments.

[badnegro @ Nov 9th 2006 5:00PM]

"If you can read this, back the f*** up..."

"I'm a technogoober. Back the f*** up..."

"*Of course* I don't have a girlfriend. Back the f*** up..."

[peptidefarmer @ Nov 9th 2006 5:18PM]

tevetorbes - Electrophoresis refers to the movement of a charged substance through an electric field. Gel electrophoresis is used to separate molecules by charge; electrophoretic displays use an electric field to move charged pigment particles, creating images.

[number40one @ Nov 9th 2006 8:34PM]

I've always wanted a scrolling LED display to share my chagrin towards other drivers with them.

Drivers in IL are generally ass'oles, but I've found the drivers in (northern) CA are just plain idiots.

What, in the name of all that is holy, gives drivers the idea that it's just fine to drive 5 mph below the speed limit in any freeway lane but the far right? Between that and the fuddy-duddies using the carpool lane 24/7, I think the CHP should try to meet their quotas by going after *those* infuriating, moving road hazards. It's much easier to pull them over than those of us who understand how to drive on a freeway.

If you don't want to go fast, fine. Stay on the backroads!

[copier dude @ Nov 9th 2006 10:32PM]

These comments are so funny! The comments are more interesting than the story about the electro-plankton whatsists!

Mine would say: "Hows My Driving? Let me Know! 1-800-EAT-SHIT

or

Caution! I Drive Like You!