Bioinspired Camouflage Fibers with Computer Vision-Guided Chromatic Adaptation

The
development of intelligent camouflage systems demands
advanced
materials and control strategies for dynamic environmental adaptation.
Here, we demonstrate a bioinspired camouflage system using hydroxypropyl
cellulose (HPC), a cellulose derivative that forms cholesteric liquid
crystals with mechanically tunable structural colors. By integrating
HPC fibers with computer vision-assisted control, we achieve autonomous
color matching with the environment through precise mechanical manipulation.
Our system employs computer vision and a custom-designed wavelength-value
(WV) mapping algorithm to analyze surroundings and control fiber tension,
enabling direct modulation of the reflected wavelength. The closed-loop
control system achieves color matching with less than 5% error at
room temperature and maintains over 95% accuracy across temperatures
from 15 to 35 °C. The HPC fibers exhibit reversible color transitions
spanning the visible spectrum (400–700 nm). This integration
of sustainable biomaterials with computer vision-guided mechanical
control demonstrates an alternative approach for advanced camouflage
applications, including military concealment and anticounterfeiting
technologies.