Glass is often synonymous with fragility, but technological advancements have made glass a strong, flexible and versatile material.

Renowned glass and ceramics company Corning, a CES® 2022 exhibitor, is showing how glass can move information through the air, power new devices and transform everyday surfaces into extraordinary tools, helping to create a more connected and smarter lifestyle.

Glass is contributing to making smart city visions a reality.

Connected by Glass

The wireless capabilities needed for the increasing number of everyday connected devices, from appliances to cars, may soon rely on Corning’s low-loss optical fiber.

Corning invented a low-loss optical fiber with strands of glass thinner than a single human hair, as well as the Outside Vapor Deposition manufacturing process that allows the creation of the highest quality fiber.

Through the controlled and precise manufacturing process, raw material chemicals are oxidized and then sintered into glass, ensuring the purest final product. The result is glass that is not only ultra-thin, but also extremely flexible and durable.

As 5G deploys and demands a denser array of fiber, the flexibility and durability of Corning optical fiber can help make possible the necessary new 5G infrastructure and allow connectivity to reach further into cities and neighborhoods.

Driven by Glass

At CES 2016 and CES 2017, Corning debuted its visions for a connected car, bringing interactive surfaces into vehicle design.

The Corning car prototype showcased new glass technologies inside and outside the car:

Car exterior: Lightweight gorilla glass glazing on the windshield, roof, back and side windows or the car shell itself allow the vehicle to be lighter and more environmentally friendly. Gorilla glass is also tough, making windows more damage resistant.

Cockpit: A dashboard and center console inside the prototype car feature gorilla glass for a durable and touch-sensitive surface. Because of gorilla glass’s optical clarity, both the driver and passengers can see information on the windshield through augmented reality displays.

Car lights: Fibrance Light-Diffusing Fiber is featured around headlights as a charging indicator and around the rear license plate as a proximity alert. The glass, created for maximum flexibility, fits decorative lighting in curved and small spaces while maintaining bright light.

Built by Glass

Corning’s “A Day Made of Glass” series explores various ways glass technology can change buildings, mirrors, shopping experiences and more.

• Electrochromic glass can be tinted to enable privacy on buildings and cars and is thermal insulated
• Architectural display glass helps make mirrors and building windows interactive and touch sensitive
• Wall-format display glass can change the education experience, allowing one surface to act as different digital tools and displays

Solutions such as these can set up smart buildings and allow more data sharing and eco-friendly living.

“You’re going to have connectivity coming to places where it’s not common today,” said Dr. Claudio Mazzali from Corning Optical Communications. “In train stations, in major transportation hubs — all those places.”

Interested in exhibiting at CES 2022 alongside Corning? Contact the CES sales team to learn more about opportunities, including private meeting space.