The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory announced it has contracted Universal Display Corp. to develop an organic light-emitting diode display that can roll up.

New Jersey-based Universal Display was awarded a $99,978 small-business innovation research phase I grant to adapt its OLED technology for the rugged conditions the military operates in and to develop an OLED display capable of being rolled up for storage in a tube. Officials say the research award is part of an effort to replace printed paper maps with reliable digital technology.

If Universal Display and its partner, L-3 Display Systems, are successful in demonstrating an OLED display that can roll up, the companies could be in line for a phase II follow-on for continued development and eventual commercialization of the technology.

"We are excited to continue the research and development of flexible and rollable OLED technology -- an idea that is moving quickly from being a vision to becoming a reality," Steven Abramson, Universal Display president and chief executive officer, said in a statement.