LG Innotek Advances to Dominate the 'Metaverse'... Accelerates Development of 3D Sensing Modules

Developing MS and ToF (Time-of-Flight Distance Measurement Module)
Core 3D Sensing Component for Metaverse Implementation
Potential Supply of Components to Apple XR Devices Discussed

[Asia Economy Reporter Suyeon Woo] LG Innotek, expected to achieve record-breaking performance this year, is targeting the future growth engine of the ‘Metaverse’ market and has embarked on a mid- to long-term strategic restructuring. As metaverse technology is bringing a new wave from the financial industry to the IT sector, LG Innotek plans to secure leadership in the metaverse market by accelerating the development of 3D sensing technology. The metaverse is a compound word of the English words ‘Meta,’ meaning virtual or transcendence, and ‘Universe,’ meaning cosmos, referring to a three-dimensional virtual world where social, economic, and cultural activities similar to the real world take place.

According to industry sources on the 8th, LG Innotek is developing a ToF (Time of Flight) module supplied to Microsoft (MS) and its cloud platform ‘Azure.’ Since signing a memorandum of understanding for supply and development in March, both companies have been speeding up development with the goal of mass production in the second half of this year.

The ToF module is a core component of 3D sensing cameras that measure distance by the time light is reflected, recognizing the three-dimensionality of objects, spatial information, and movement. Through this technology, biometric authentication, motion recognition, and augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) ? which form the foundation of the metaverse ? can be realized. The 3D cameras equipped with LG Innotek’s ToF modules will be applied to MS’s cloud platform ‘Azure’ and are expected to be used in various fields such as fitness, healthcare, distribution, and logistics.

In the mid to long term, it is also favorable for LG Innotek that its major client Apple is preparing to launch an XR (Extended Reality) device capable of simultaneously implementing AR and VR in 2022. High-performance cameras and 3D ToF modules are essential to ensure that a person’s gaze on a virtual screen continues smoothly without shaking or interruption and to capture the movement of objects.

Currently, LG Innotek exclusively supplies camera modules with sensor-shift image stabilization technology applied to the iPhone 12, and the industry is discussing the possibility that LG Innotek’s 3D ToF modules will also be installed in Apple’s new XR devices.

In May, during LG Innotek's industry-first 'Metaverse Job Fair,' an HR manager is answering questions from job seekers. Photo by LG Innotek

Recently, LG Innotek has introduced the concept of the metaverse into internal management to demonstrate the company’s mid- to long-term direction. In May, it held the industry’s first ‘Metaverse Job Fair,’ allowing job seekers to conduct actual job search activities in a virtual space without restrictions on quarantine measures or the number of participants. An LG Innotek official said, "We will actively expand the application of metaverse technology not only in recruitment but also throughout internal management activities."

Meanwhile, LG Innotek is expected to achieve its largest-ever performance with sales exceeding 10 trillion won this year, thanks to strong performance in the optical solutions sector. Sales of the iPhone 12 Pro equipped with LG Innotek camera modules continue to increase steadily, and from the third quarter, the supply of sensor-shift and 3D ToF modules to the next model is expected to be in full swing.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.