#South Korea #Seoul #LG Innotek #driver monitoring #Under-Display Camera

LG Innotek Unveils Next-Generation Under-Display Camera at CES 2026

On December 26, 2025, LG Innotek, under the leadership of CEO Moon Hyuksoo, announced a significant technological advancement: the Next-Generation Under-Display Camera (UDC). This innovative camera module is designed to be installed behind a vehicle's instrument cluster, effectively monitoring the driver without being visible to them or passengers. The official unveiling is set to occur at CES 2026, where the automotive industry can gain further insights into this cutting-edge development.

A Game-Changer for Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS)

The UDC module plays a critical role in the Driver Monitoring System (DMS), a safety feature increasingly recognized as essential amid growing concerns about driver attentiveness and overall road safety. As autonomous driving technologies evolve, DMSs are becoming necessary for preventing accidents stemming from distracted or drowsy driving.

In line with regulatory changes in Europe, where DMSs are mandated in new vehicles starting July 2026, the global automotive industry is pushing for similar standards in regions like the U.S., China, and Japan. As a result, the demand for advanced camera systems like LG Innotek's UDC is surging.

Addressing Challenges in Image Quality

Traditionally, DMS cameras have posed design dilemmas due to their visible presence in the vehicle's interior, which could compromise the elegant aesthetics desired by manufacturers and consumers alike. The installation of these cameras has been hindered by challenges related to image quality degradation. When cameras are set behind a display, the dashboard often obstructs the camera's view, resulting in poor-quality imagery.

To tackle this issue, LG Innotek collaborated with LG Display to tackle the engineering challenges that lie with under-display technologies. After a year of dedicated research and development, they successfully launched their state-of-the-art UDC, which not only resolves image quality issues but does so while being hidden behind the dashboard display.

The Power of AI in Image Restoration

Unlike standard designs that expose cameras, the UDC is seamlessly concealed, offering intrepid vehicle manufacturers a modern approach to safety technology without compromising on visual refinement. The significant advantage of this technology is its ability to maintain superior image quality—achieving 99% fidelity comparable to unobstructed cameras. LG Innotek has also integrated proprietary AI image restoration capabilities, facilitating the recovery of images that could suffer from blurriness or digital noise.

With these advancements, the UDC accurately captures critical indicators of driver behavior including facial expressions, eye movements, and attentiveness. The enhanced clarity improves the ability to monitor fatigue levels, offering heightened security for all road users.

Future Prospects and Advanced Features

The potential applications for LG Innotek’s Next-Generation UDC extend beyond just driver monitoring. The company has plans to broaden its functionality, enabling it to recognize not only the driver but also passengers and their characteristics. Features could include personalized passenger experiences such as adjusting seating positions or climate controls based on individual preferences.

CEO Moon Hyuksoo outlined the company's ambition to significantly expand its autonomous driving sensing solutions by integrating not just cameras but also LiDAR and Radar technologies. This strategy positions LG Innotek to achieve sales of $1.4 billion by 2030 in this sector.

Recent initiatives have shown their commitment to innovation—such as launching a high-performance heated camera that accelerates snow and frost removal and forming strategic partnerships to enhance their radar technology capabilities.

Conclusion

With the global market for in-cabin camera modules projected to grow significantly in the coming years, LG Innotek's advancements in under-display technology signify a landmark achievement in automotive safety and aesthetics. As they continue to innovate by focusing on customer value and technology integration, LG Innotek is poised to strengthen its foothold as a leading provider in the autonomous driving domain.

In summary, LG Innotek not only enhances road safety with its Next-Generation UDC but also sets a new benchmark for interior design in vehicles, merging technology with smart aesthetics while focusing on the critical needs of modern-day driving.