Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed an OLED display that is flexible and can be folded or stretched without a decrease in image resolution or quality. Thus far, the prototypes are monochrome and are shaped like a sphere that shows land and water weather data as well as a face that can change expression. They are made by spraying a layer of carbon nanotubes with a fluoro-rubber compound, resulting in a conductive and stretchy material.

Either prototype is 100 cm2 (15.5 in2) and has 256 monochrome pixels. They can be folded about 1,000 times without a decline in quality. The designers are now working to add color displays to their creations as well as increasing their resolution.

If the technology is developed for commercial devices, it could lead to rugged cellphones or digital audio players that can be bent and the screens hit without sustaining any permanent damage. [via OLED-info]