Korea Institute of Optical Technology and Korea Automotive Research Institute Sign Cooperation Agreement to Maintain Partnership

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Jin-hyung] The Korea Photonics Technology Institute (President Shin Yong-jin) and the Korea Automotive Technology Institute (President Heo Nam-yong) signed a memorandum of understanding on the 1st to promote the development of the photonics convergence industry and the automotive industry based on their professional capabilities.

Through this agreement, the two institutions plan to actively support the enhancement of competitiveness of companies in each industrial sector by sharing mutual research support experiences and strengthening technological cooperation.

About 20 government and research institute officials attended the signing ceremony, including Park Jae-young, Director of Manufacturing Industry Policy at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Shin Yong-jin, President of the Korea Photonics Technology Institute, and Heo Nam-yong, President of the Korea Automotive Technology Institute.

The main contents of the agreement include ▲ fostering the automotive industry and promoting joint projects ▲ supporting the use of mutual infrastructure such as facilities and equipment ▲ mutual exchange and cooperation of research and technical personnel ▲ holding education and seminars for training key personnel and spreading technology.

Designated as the only “Photonics Convergence Technology Specialized Research Institute” in Korea last year under the “Photonics Convergence Technology Support Act” and the “Comprehensive Development Plan for Photonics Convergence Technology,” the Korea Photonics Technology Institute has been researching the sources of light such as LED, laser, optical sensors, and optical lenses for the past 20 years.

It is also leading the photonics convergence industry market and technology through research and development to utilize light diversely in fields such as energy, environment, healthcare, autonomous vehicles, ICT convergence, displays, and defense, as well as providing technical support to small and medium-sized enterprises and mid-sized companies.

Established in 1990, the Korea Automotive Technology Institute researches core automotive technologies and performs various automotive technology support tasks such as parts reliability evaluation and certification, education, and regional specialized technology development.

In particular, it has played the role of a troubleshooter in the automotive industry by leading technical solutions for defects and recalls between automakers and parts manufacturers and conducting proactive research and development.

The two institutions plan to cooperate by converging photonics technologies such as next-generation LEDs, advanced optical sensors, and lasers with automotive parts technologies needed for autonomous vehicles, hydrogen electric vehicles, electric vehicles, and AI big data, to serve as a catalyst for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

It is expected that this agreement will not only promote mutual development between the two institutions but also seek collaboration in related automotive and photonics technology projects, further contributing to the fostering of the future car industry.