Samsung will launch new camera modules for cars

With the advancement of various driver assistance features and autonomous driving technologies, the demand for higher image quality in automotive products has become increasingly stringent. Consequently, the camera modules used in vehicles also require continual updates and iterations. According to a report by The Korea Herald, Samsung is set to mass-produce automotive camera modules this year, which boast advanced waterproof capabilities and heating functions.

“Accidents occur when camera sensors in cars don’t work properly and the demand is growing for high-end cameras in the market,” principal engineer at Samsung Electro-Mechanics Kwak Hyung-chan said.

“Unlike cameras for IT devices, automotive cameras are closely related to safety. Our automotive camera modules have been developed to withstand extreme weather conditions with better specs than existing products.”

A key technology of this new camera module is a waterproof coating. Kwak Hyung-chan elaborated, “Our coating maximizes the lens’s waterproofing capabilities, making it easier to clean off water droplets. Furthermore, with this layer, the lens’s resistance to dust, dirt, and wear improves by 1.5 times, and its lifespan exceeds that of current products by more than six times.” Additionally, to address issues with cameras malfunctioning due to ice or snow in winter, Samsung has designed a lens heating technology that ensures ice and snow on the lens can melt within a minute, achieving faster melting speeds than its competitors.

In terms of lens materials, Samsung has developed a new hybrid lens for this module, combining the advantages of glass and plastic lenses. Compared to traditional lens materials, it offers greater durability and resistance to temperature changes.

Discussing the trends in automotive imaging technology, Kwak Hyung-chan said, “The number of cameras going into one car is increasing. Now they use four to five cameras but industry observers see a minimum of 20 will be adopted in the future, and we seek to come up with new technologies and explore new applications to expand the market.” Samsung anticipates that, with these new technologies, its market share in the automotive camera module sector will steadily rise from 10% in 2023 to about 24% by 2025. Additionally, Kwak Hyung-chan mentioned Samsung’s plans to leverage this new technology in the robotics industry.

Previously, market research firm Congic Business Intelligence reported that the automotive camera module market is expected to grow from $3.1 billion in 2023 to $8.5 billion by 2030, with an annual growth rate of 13.8%.