Namuga selects Lumotive to manufacture 3D sensing solutions

28 Jul 2023

Korea-based camera module maker Namuga is a supplier for Samsung’s smart phones.

Optical semiconductor developer Lumotive has entered a commercial agreement with camera module specialist Namuga, which will use Lumotive’s Light Control Metasurface (LCM) chipsets to develop solid-state lidar module solutions for a range of 3D sensing applications.

Publicly-traded in South Korea, Namuga makes cameras and 3D sensing modules. These components are integral to a variety of consumer electronics products such as notebooks, smartphones, and smart home automation. As a supplier for Samsung Electronics’ flagship smart phones, including the Galaxy S23, Namuga also provides diverse capabilities for drones, head-mounted and head-up displays.

Using metamaterial-based technologies to steer laser beams without moving parts, Lumotive’s LCM overcomes the size, scalability and reliability limitations of conventional mechanical beam steering systems.

Namuga says its expertise in the miniaturization of sensing modules, combined with the intrinsic advantages of LCM-based beam steering, “will enable lidar to expand into new domains of 3D sensing, particularly applications where compactness and weight are crucial.”

Expanding the market

The partners aim to create a variety of solid state lidar modules that go beyond robotic automation solutions, extending into additional sectors such as services, homecare, and logistics. Lumotive’s technology broadens Namuga’s capabilities in perceiving surrounding information, enhancing performance and opening avenues into future ventures such as autonomous driving vehicles.

Dr. Sam Heidari, CEO of Lumotive, commented, “Our mission is to catalyze mass accessibility of solid-state lidar by partnering with innovative sensor makers like Namuga. We eagerly anticipate the application of our LCM digital beam steering chipsets in a broad spectrum of use-cases.”

Tae Youn Won, CEO of Namuga, said, “Through this partnership we will accelerate the development of next-generation lidar technology and secure a technological and manufacturing competitive advantage in the global market. Based on Namuga's leading 3D sensing camera technology, we will take the lead in not only the autonomous driving car market, but also the next-generation device technology markets such as robotics, XR, and other innovative technologies.”