The new innovative technology will soon be installed at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, the United States. The airport follows its $8.5 billion modernization plan under which the new smart windows will be installed in its Terminal 5.
An American glass-manufacturing company View, which produces smart glass based on electrochromism technology, will install the windows which use artificial intelligence (AI) to automatically adjust the optimal amount of natural light into premises.
The new window technology is already used in various airports across the United States including Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Dallas Fort-Worth International Airport (DFW), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA), Memphis International Airport (MEM), Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), Phoenix Sky-Harbor International Airport (PHX), and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
“Incorporating smart windows in Terminal 5 will help us provide an exceptional passenger experience while also making the airport more efficient and reducing our energy usage,” Jamie L. Rhee, the Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation, was quoted saying in a press release.
As the traditional glass used in airport terminals could sometimes cause passengers discomfort due to increased glare and heat, artificial intelligence should solve the problem and minimize heat. It is expected that the technology will simultaneously reduce energy consumption by minimizing the need for cooling the terminal premises.
The decision to install smart windows follows the Chicago O’Hare International Airport expansion plan, which will increase the terminal’s gate capacity by 25% by adding 10 new gates, new concessions, and premium lounge facilities.