SWITCHES, DISPLAYS AND UIs
The Pinnacle of e-paper displays: Transforming military and industrial systems By Daniel Burke – marketing manager, RDS.
E
-paper displays, known for their ink-on- paper-like appearance, are redefining efficiency and durability in demanding applications. By reflecting ambient light instead of emitting it, e-paper achieves ultra- low power consumption—near-zero for static content—while offering unmatched sunlight readability and reduced eye strain. With the e-paper market projected to surge from $5.75 billion to over $17 billion by 2029, driven by advancements in colour, scalability and integration, these displays are becoming indispensable in military and industrial sectors. This article explores the best-in-class e-paper technologies, their transformative applications, and how RDS delivers fully integrated solutions tailored to these challenging environments.
Best-in-class e-paper display technologies
In 2025, e-paper displays have evolved significantly, overcoming past limitations like slow refresh rates and monochromatic output. Leading innovations include: Full-colour e-paper: Advanced technologies now deliver vibrant, high- resolution (up to 200ppi) full-colour displays with thousands of colours, consuming power only during updates— slashing energy costs by up to 99 per cent compared to LCDs. These are ideal for large-format signage and dynamic interfaces. Large-scale solutions: Displays as large as 75 inches or A0-sized formats are now available, often solar-powered and designed for harsh outdoor conditions. Their bistable nature holds images indefinitely without power, ensuring reliability in remote settings. Flexible and printable displays: Customisable in shape and size, these ultra- thin, low-power e-paper solutions are perfect for IoT integrations, offering cost-effective, mass-producible options for smart labels and wearable devices.
High-performance e-notebooks: Compact displays with enhanced contrast and faster response times support AI-driven tasks, making them suitable for interactive applications in rugged environments. These advancements enable e-paper to support limited video playback in hybrid modes, high-resolution imaging and seamless integration into diverse systems, setting new
standards for energy efficiency and durability.
Industrial applications: Powering smart factories
In industrial environments, e-paper displays excel where power efficiency, durability and readability are critical. Their ability to operate without constant power makes them ideal for remote or battery-powered setups, reducing costs and environmental impact. Key applications include: Dynamic signage: Large e-paper displays serve as energy-efficient signage in manufacturing, logistics and warehousing, displaying safety protocols, inventory updates, or process flows. Wireless updates and dust- resistant designs ensure reliability in variable conditions.
Smart labels and maintenance tracking: E-paper enables real-time updates for asset tracking or maintenance timers via NFC or Bluetooth, enhancing efficiency in industries like pharmaceuticals or automotive. These displays integrate with IoT sensors to predict maintenance and optimise operations. Control interfaces: Embedded in machinery, e-paper dashboards provide sunlight- readable human-machine interfaces (HMIs) that withstand vibrations and extreme temperatures (-20°C to 70°C). They minimise downtime in sectors like oil & gas or food processing.
By bringing sustainable, scalable solutions to smart factories, e-paper displays reduce latency, bandwidth usage and carbon footprints, driving operational excellence.
battlefield challenges. Key uses include: Wearable devices: E-paper powers wrist- worn navigation tools or flexible maps, extending battery life for field operations and reducing detectability in stealth missions. Vehicle and drone interfaces: Integrated into unmanned systems or vehicle consoles, e-paper displays deliver real-time sensor fusion, AI-driven threat detection and mapping. They operate reliably across wide temperature ranges and resist vibrations. Portable command units: Large, solar- powered e-paper displays serve as surveillance kiosks, analysing reconnaissance footage without cloud dependency. This ensures secure, mission-critical decision- making in remote or contested environments. E-paper supports secure AI workloads, like image recognition, and integrates with legacy systems via serial interfaces, enhancing situational awareness in cyber- electromagnetic operations and advanced electronic support measures. Our comprehensive solutions include: Protective cover glass: We incorporate tempered, anti-glare glass to ensure durability, impact resistance and readability in harsh conditions, protecting against scratches, dust and moisture.
Rugged metal enclosures: Our custom metalwork meets MIL-STD standards for defence or IP-rated specifications for industrial use, providing vibration-resistant, compact housings for e-paper displays. Custom mouldings: We design injection- moulded plastic components for ergonomic, application-specific solutions, such as curved housings for wearable military gear or seamless integration into industrial machinery. Advanced cabling and connectivity: RDS provides robust cabling for high-speed data transfer, including serial ports (RS-232/422/485) and Ethernet, ensuring compatibility with legacy and modern systems.
Military applications: Rugged and reliable displays
In defence, where reliability in extreme conditions is paramount, e-paper’s bistable nature, low power draw and sunlight readability make it a game-changer. Its lack of backlight and minimal thermal signature enhance stealth, while rugged designs endure
Contact RDS today to discover how our e-paper systems can enhance efficiency, reliability, and performance in your industrial or military operations.
OCTOBER 2025 | ELECTRONICS FOR ENGINEERS
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