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.