LG Innotek is accelerating its next-generation robotics component business in collaboration with Boston Dynamics, a robotics subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group.
LG Innotek announced on the 12th that it has signed an agreement with Boston Dynamics, a global leader in the robotics field, to develop components for robots. Under this agreement, the two companies plan to jointly develop a vision sensing system that serves as the 'eyes' of robots.
The vision sensing system is a product that integrates various sensing components, including a red-green-blue (RGB) camera and a 3D sensing module, into a single module. As a result, robots can accurately perceive their surrounding environment even in low visibility conditions at night or during bad weather, as each component interacts and aggregates information.
LG Innotek will develop a vision sensing module to be equipped in the next-generation model of the humanoid robot 'Atlas,' which is developed by Boston Dynamics, while Boston Dynamics will develop software that effectively processes visual data recognized by the vision sensing module.
LG Innotek's sensing components, including camera modules, are being applied beyond smartphones to the autonomous driving sector. Earlier, LG Innotek first showcased a sensing solution for self-driving applications called 'Sensor Pod,' which combines the advantages of various sensing components such as the vision sensing system at the 'CES 2024.'
In the future, LG Innotek plans to expand its collaboration with Boston Dynamics by exploring ways to apply optical technologies as well as various core technologies to robotics.
Robert Playter, CEO of Boston Dynamics, said, 'I am very pleased to lead robotics vision innovation in collaboration with LG Innotek and to set a new standard for the development of robotic 'eyes.' I look forward to developing an innovative vision sensing system that rivals smartphone camera levels through this collaboration.'
Moon Hyung-soo, CEO of LG Innotek, noted, 'Through our collaboration with Boston Dynamics, which boasts the world's top technology in robotics, LG Innotek has secured a favorable position in the robotics component market. We will continue to showcase core components that lead the robot market and create differentiated customer value.'
LG Innotek is broadening its business portfolio beyond smartphones and home appliances to include semiconductors, mobility, and robotics components.