Self-powered smart windows operates without wiring or external power

South Korean engineers from Blue Device, a company founded at KAIST, have developed a self-powered smart window that addresses two major challenges in climate control: high costs and heavy energy consumption. This innovative Nanoparticle Solar Smart Window, honored at CES 2026 for sustainability and energy transition, operates without wiring or external power by integrating solar panels and harvesting ambient indoor light. Its proprietary nanoparticle liquid inside the glass creates a self-contained, maintenance-free system that maintains its smart properties permanently throughout the window’s lifespan. This wireless design enables easy installation in various settings, from modern offices to off-grid locations, while reducing upfront costs by over 50 percent and cutting building energy use by up to 40 percent. Traditional smart glass technologies like Electrochromic and PDLC windows require complex wiring, external power, and frequent replacements, leading to high installation costs and continued carbon emissions. In contrast, Blue Device’s solution eliminates these barriers by functioning autonomously with zero indirect emissions and even trickle-charging from indoor