LG and Boston Dynamics are building robot eyes
LG Innotek and Boston Dynamics have signed a partnership agreement to develop a vision sensing system for robots, with LG Innotek working on the vision sensing module and Boston Dynamics creating the software to process the visual data.
The collaboration aims to integrate various sensing components, including RGB cameras and 3D sensing modules, into a single module that enables robots to detect their surroundings accurately, even in low-visibility conditions. The vision sensing system will be installed on Boston Dynamics’ humanoid robot, Atlas.
LG Innotek’s optical technology is highly regarded, with its sensing components used in smartphones and autonomous driving. At CES 2024, the company showcased the Sensor pod, a sensing module for autonomous vehicles that combines multiple sensing components into one device. Robert Playter, CEO of Boston Dynamics, said the partnership will drive innovation and develop groundbreaking vision systems as advanced as mobile phone cameras.
“Robots should be able to see, process and perceive the world as well as humans,” Playter stated.
Moon Hyuksoo, CEO of LG Innotek, stated that the collaboration will give the company an advantage in the robotics components market and enable it to introduce core components that lead the robotics era. LG Innotek is diversifying its business portfolio beyond camera modules, expanding into semiconductors, autonomous driving, and robotics.
The partnership will also explore the application of various core technologies, including optics, to robotic systems. Boston Dynamics is a global leader in developing highly mobile robots capable of tackling industrial and safety challenges.