The need for better aero
Thinking beyond wiper blades
Will lasers and trick glass replace wiper blades in future?
The need for better aero
But what is beyond the technical horizon for advanced wiper blades? The issues engineers are now being tasked with solving concern the actual presence of wiper blades on the windscreen. Aerodynamics are the most important challenge for automakers, because every reduction in drag coefficient equals better fuel economy and, for electric vehicles, slightly greater range.
With electric vehicle buyers still being concerned about tiny range comparisons, removing the wiper blades from the front windscreen to gain a slight aerodynamic gain is worthwhile. Removing the wiper blades would also reduce wind noise, which is important for all car brands, but especially luxury car makers, where the quietest possible in-cabin experience at cruising speeds remains a very important selling point.
Wiper blades have advanced greatly since the early 1900s, when they were first patented. Today’ s wiper blades are semi-autonomous, featuring rain sensors for self-activation and sweep frequency control.
In principle, the wiper blade is a very mature design. That means it is very reliable and durable. Materials have also advanced to withstand extreme climates across different global markets, helping prevent premature wiper blade wear and failure.
In snow climate markets, such as northern Europe and the American Northwest, wiper blades need to withstand the corrosion caused by road salt spray. And the weight of snow buildup on the blades when operating. In extremely warm weather markets, like Southern Africa, the issues are UV radiation exposure and the wiper’ s blade element cracking,
Advanced blade materials can reduce the fatigue life of wiper blades in extreme heat. Engineers have managed to source and integrate graphene and silicon to replace traditional rubbers. These materials are more resistant to UV radiation and wear, helping prevent premature cracking.
What technical solutions do automakers need to integrate contactless wiper blades? Advanced hydrophobic coatings would serve as the foundation for contactless windscreen-cleaning and watermanagement solutions. In the optics world, especially with outdoor eyewear, hydrophobic lens coatings are proven to repel water, allowing it to run off the optic surface rapidly and requiring minimal active cleaning. Engineers could start using advanced, large-surface, hydrophobic-coated windscreens with nanocoatings.
The idea is to create super-hydrophobic windscreens, accelerating water beading and using the aerodynamic airflow over the bonnet into the windscreen to dispel water without active cleaning.
Another engineering solution for replacing mechanical wiper blades with a contactless solution is to use high-frequency pulse lasers. These would be embedded around the windshield frame, and be capable of vaporising water droplets. Another contactless wiper idea, adjacent to the pulse lasers, is high-frequency vibration to repel water from the windscreen.
WORDS IN ACTION 22 SEPTEMBER 2026