Nissan Releases Self Healing iPhone Case

What happens when a car manufacturer puts its technological innovation to use in the mobile market? The answer is the world’s first “self healing” iPhone case from Nissan. Named the Nissan Scratch Shield Case, the iPhone cover uses Nissan’s paint technology which is capable of repairing scratches to the case by itself.

Developed through a collaboration with the University of Tokyo and Advanced Softmaterials Inc the paint “has been designed using several automotive engineering innovations to deliver a more durable and long-lasting paint coat, and closely fitting, tight case”. Capable of “healing” small scratches in as little as an hour the “Scratch Shield” paint technology also has a gel like surface that aims to provide better grip to the case.

Currently only released as a prototype for testing the product is being tested by some journalists and Nissan customers, but the iPhone 4 cases could be on sale later this year. The move into the mobile sector actually isn’t Nissan’s first foray into the market, as they have already worked with NTT DoCoMo where they used an earlier Scratch Shield paint technology on its Style Series N-03B mobile phones.

Applying the latest technology and innovation with what at first seems like a totally unconnected sector is a great move by Nissan. Realizing the huge smartphone market this move makes bigger headlines than the launch of yet another mobility related app and strengthens the brand’s image. “We’re passionate about innovations that get people excited, and that means not being restricted to one industry or genre,” commented Overseas Programme Director of Business Development Bob Laishley.

In the past there have been a huge number of Japanese innovations that failed to be developed beyond the domestic market either because of sufficient internal demand or lack of foresight. As the country’s economy slowed it neglected to look internationally and capitalize on it’s leading technology in certain areas, such as mobile. More cross sector, international developments, like this move from Nissan although on a smaller level, are key to Japan’s growth today.