LG Innotek has introduced its new Next-generation Digital Key Solution which connects a smartphone to a car. With this technology users can lock or unlock doors and start the engine without needing a physical key. This reduces the chance of losing keys and also improves safety since the engine only works with the registered phone.
The company sees this as a major growth driver for its automotive communication components. It plans to build this business into one worth 1.08 billion USD over the next 30 years. Demand for such keys is rising quickly with the growth of car sharing and rentals. The global market is expected to grow more than five times by 2030.
LG Innotek’s solution uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Ultra-wideband (UWB) together for secure and accurate operation. It also uses AI-based 3D positioning to detect the exact location of a smartphone with a margin of error as low as 10 cm. This prevents wrong doors from unlocking and ensures smooth use even when the phone is inside a pocket or bag.
Extra features like automatic trunk opening with a foot sensor and doors unlocking as the driver approaches add convenience. The company also plans to include radar technology for safety functions such as child presence detection, which alerts drivers if a child is left inside a car.
The device is smaller than a business card and integrates over 60 components into one solution. It is compatible with both iOS and Android and follows the global standards of the Car Connectivity Consortium. This makes it suitable for different vehicles and markets worldwide.
LG Innotek has already received orders for installation in 14 vehicle models and plans to expand further in North America and Europe.
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