[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Hanwha Systems announced on the 15th that it is officially entering the automotive electronic components market by partnering with vehicle sensor company Truewin. They will begin producing microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) vehicle semiconductors, including infrared (IR) sensors and automotive electronic sensors, which are key components of night vision, known as the "eyes of autonomous vehicles."
On the same day, Hanwha Systems held a signing ceremony for a joint venture (JV) and joint investment agreement (JVA) for production facilities with Truewin at the Hanwha Building in Janggyo-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, to develop and manufacture IR sensors and vehicle component sensors.
The combined capital of the two companies is approximately 36 billion KRW, with Hanwha Systems and Truewin securing shares at a 51:49 ratio. Hanwha Systems will accelerate the commercialization of night vision, while Truewin will focus on advancing electronic modules.
The joint venture, to be established within the year by Hanwha Systems and Truewin, plans to build a MEMS semiconductor fab (dedicated facility) and concentrate on developing and producing three types of cutting-edge IR sensors and automotive electronic sensors. The long-range IR sensor will be installed in night vision systems essential for autonomous vehicle driving recognition, and the three types of sensors applied to various vehicle components are ▲electromagnetic induction proximity sensor (EPS) ▲pressure sensor (IPS) ▲high-temperature measurement sensor (HTS).
The MEMS semiconductor fab is scheduled to be constructed on the Truewin business site located in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, with the goal of starting full-scale production of automotive electronic sensors in 2023.
Yoon Seok-eun, head of Hanwha Systems' Future Technology Division, stated, "We aim to prepare for the dawn of the 'next-generation electronic components industry,' which will see explosive growth in autonomous and hydrogen electric vehicle markets, by combining the technological competitiveness and capabilities of both companies." He added, "In particular, through this joint investment, we will create new markets by innovatively reducing the cost of expensive IR sensors, enabling their application not only in vehicle night vision but also in smartphones."
Hanwha Systems has developed and supplied electronic optical equipment for surveillance and reconnaissance, as well as night vision for tanks and armored vehicles, and day/night aiming and observation devices for over 40 years. Last year, they announced their entry into the vehicle night vision market by launching Quantum Red, an intelligent multi-purpose thermal imaging engine module. This year, they also secured a national project for autonomous driving technology innovation titled 'Development of a Thermal Imaging Fusion 3D Camera Technology Capable of Day and Night Response' for night vision development.
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