If you ever wanted the power of Harry Potter’s invisibility cloak, your dream might be on the horizon.
UK-based Invisibility Shield Co. has announced their second generation product, which seems indeed somewhat magical.
Using a precision-engineered lens array, the shield works by effectively directing light reflected from the subject standing behind it, away from the observer standing in front.
The effect is fascinating, creating impressive recreations of a backdrop, while basically erasing the subject from the scene.
First launched in 2022, this is the follow-up product, and it’s currently crowdfunding on Kickstarter.
Now offered in a range of sizes, the Invisibility Shield 2.0 is more portable, more effective, and starts at just $69. We can only imagine that this innovation and refinement will continue to improve.
The team achieved its goal of bringing fictional superpowers to reality through ultra-large precision-engineered lens arrays. These arrays, forming the shield’s face, redirect light bouncing off the person behind the shield away from the observer, rendering them invisible.
The lenses’ configuration causes background light from either side of the shield to spread over its face and be directed towards the observer, effectively cloaking what is behind it.
Designer Tristan Thompson emphasized the team’s motivation, stating, ‘The possibilities are endless, but most importantly, these shields are great fun. They’re fun to play around with and exciting for us to make.
We wanted to see how far we could push this technology. A real working invisibility shield that you can just roll up and sling over your shoulder? Two years ago, nobody thought anyone could do that.’
The shield showing hands sticking up from behind, successfully cloaking multiple humans.
A diagram showing how the shield works to make you appear invisible.
While not a perfect blend, it’s impressive how the shield can capture the color differences of the window, brick, and ground.
Here the subject’s body disappears behind the shield.
Portable and easy to set up, you can have all sorts of fun moments on places like the beach.