Scientists have developed a new type of paint that uses artificial intelligence to keep buildings cooler in hot climates, potentially reducing energy bills and mitigating the urban heat island effect.
Researchers at universities in the US, China, Singapore, and Sweden used machine learning to create paint formulas that reflect sunlight and emit heat more efficiently. The paint can be applied to various surfaces, including buildings, cars, and electrical equipment.
According to a study published in Nature, applying this new paint to a four-storey apartment block could save 15,800 kilowatt hours of electricity per year, equivalent to powering over 10,000 air conditioning units for a year. If applied to 1,000 blocks, the total savings would be significant.
The development is an example of how AI is being used to accelerate scientific advances and leapfrog traditional trial-and-error approaches. Other companies, such as Microsoft, have released AI tools to help researchers design new materials, including inorganic structures for solar panels and medical implants.
This breakthrough could lead to more efficient batteries and better carbon capture technology, further reducing the environmental impact of urban heat islands. As one researcher noted, AI has enabled material scientists to push through previous computational power limitations, allowing them to create materials with superior performance that were previously unimaginable.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/jul/02/ai-helps-find-formula-for-paint-to-keep-buildings-cooler