VW's programmable bumper sticker

(Credit: Volkswagen)

Volkswagen has designed a programmable electronic bumper sticker that enables drivers to communicate real-time messages to other road users. A product of VW's Electronics Research Laboratory in California, the electrophoretic displays make use of a thin foil membrane that can be programmed to show messages and pictures that reflect a driver's mood at any given time. At the moment, the application is specific to VW's Chameleon concept car, but designers tell us they're looking into other automotive applications for the technology. The picture VW sent us shows a display wishing other road users to "Have a good day," although we suspect a more common use of the technology is likely to be as a substitute for certain popular driver hand signals.

Via Detroit News