Panasonic’s “Silky Fine Mist,” originally developed to combat Japan’s intense summer heat, is now being repurposed for digital displays. The mist, which is created using pressurized water and air, is incredibly fine—ranging from six to ten microns—making it imperceptible to touch and highly effective for outdoor cooling. Since its launch in 2019, the system has been widely adopted in public spaces, such as train stations across Japan.
Taking the technology further, Panasonic has now incorporated projection mapping into the mist, transforming it into a transparent display ideal for digital signage and art installations. The concept was first tested in 2018 and has since been showcased at various technology expos, offering a cool, touchable alternative to traditional projection displays.
However, there are some challenges with the system’s portability. The North American model, for instance, weighs 420 pounds and requires 2.4 kilowatts of power to operate. Despite these limitations, the technology provides a unique approach to transparent displays, reminiscent of Disneyland’s “World of Color” but with an interactive, hands-on twist.
As Panasonic continues to refine the mist display, it could become a key innovation in the future of interactive digital signage.
