New auto glass is more than a windshield

A pane of auto glass can now do more than keep out wind and rain. Glass produced by Fuyao Glass Industry Group in Fuzhou, Fujian province, can be used as a display screen, similar to a computer.

The smart glass uses a wide range of new photoelectric materials, sensors and electronics.

Over the past three decades, Fuyao has been devoted to enhancing its ability to produce innovative, high-end auto glass. The company spends 4 percent of its revenues on research and development and has built nine national research and development platforms, including a center for academicians.

Overseas, it has built six research and development centers to coordinate global resources in the glass industry.

With its advantages in innovation, the company developed window glass for the high-speed maglev train that rolled off the production line last year in Qingdao, Shandong province.

The train, with a designed top speed of 600 kilometers per hour, is currently the world's fastest commercial ground vehicle, and it has stringent requirements for its windows.

Fuyao developed glass for the train by adjusting the internal structure of the material, which not only reduced the weight but enables passengers to touch the window to adjust the light.

Along with the rapid development of digital technologies in China, the company started a smart manufacturing project last year.

One of every three automobiles produced worldwide uses Fuyao glass, the company said.

A photo shows the interior of a national-level research and development center built by Fuyao Glass Industry Group. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A photo shows a smart glass production line of Fuyao Glass Industry Group. [Photo by Lin Xi/For chinadaily.com.cn]

A photo shows three workers handling a piece of glass made by Fuyao Glass Industry Group. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A Fuyao Glass Industry Group worker tests glass to ensure its quality. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A photo shows samples of auto glasses with heat insulation functions made by Fuyao Glass Industry Group. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]