On the 21st, I-M announced that it is supplying the world's highest resolution 200-megapixel OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) actuators to global smartphone manufacturers.
A company representative stated, "The supplied OIS actuators have been adopted in flagship models, showing strong sales performance such as record-breaking pre-orders in Korea alone," and added, "We have been continuously supplying them since the end of last year."
I-M is an electronics component manufacturer based on optical technology, established in 2006 after the spin-off of Samsung Electro-Mechanics' optical device division. Its main businesses include camera OIS actuators, smart films, optical modules, and automation JIGs and equipment.
According to I-M, the pixel count and performance of camera modules installed in smartphones are being advanced to meet customer demands for high-performance specifications. To achieve a high pixel count, major optical components such as lenses and image sensors become larger, and highly advanced OIS components are required to operate them precisely.
OIS is a technology that prevents and corrects shaking in photos and videos, regarded as a premium optical component with high unit price and margin. The role of OIS has become more important with the implementation of ultra-high resolution. OIS is expected to expand its application not only in smartphones but also in drone cameras and autonomous driving cameras.
I-M holds 15 patents related to OIS and VCM (Voice Coil Motor). Based on its experience in developing and selling proprietary models, the company is also striving to advance manufacturing technology. It designs and manufactures JIGs (special tools) and equipment for OIS production in-house. Additionally, it plans to continuously manage local procurement and risks by establishing a global supply chain with overseas factories in countries such as China and the Philippines.
A company representative said, "This flagship model is attracting worldwide attention with performance comparable to professional DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) cameras," and predicted, "With the competition to differentiate smartphone specs, models applying high-spec cameras, over 100-megapixel high resolution, and sophisticated OIS actuators will gradually expand."
They continued, "Our company has secured a competitive edge by preemptively establishing a production system focused on high-resolution OIS actuators aligned with market trends," and added, "The application to next-generation flagship models is also being positively reviewed, so steady sales growth is expected."
Meanwhile, I-M is also focusing on securing future growth engines by expanding new businesses such as sensor heating films, healthcare, and AR (Augmented Reality)·VR (Virtual Reality), in addition to its existing camera module business.
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