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Camouflage could soon change colors the same way squid do
Researchers at the University of Bristol have announced they've developed of artificial cephalopod chromatophores -- the specialized cells that allow squid and octopi to instantly change their skin color -- a breakthrough that could lead to real life active camouflage. The team employed a pliable smart material called electroactive dielectric elastomer to create artificial skin. And as you can see in the video below, they programmed the cells to sense what their neighbors were doing (either expanding or contracting) and then do the same. Right now, the cells can only open and close operate linearly. However, the researchers hope to further develop the technology so that future iterations are able to mimic the complex patterns that cephalopods actually produce.
