'AI Process Recipe' Introduction
AI Trained on Tens of Millions of Data
Cost Competitiveness Enhancement Effect
Expanded Application of Process to Semiconductor Substrates
LG Innotek announced on the 30th that it has succeeded in reducing the defect rate of high-spec camera modules by up to 90% using artificial intelligence (AI).
LG Innotek began developing AI to predict process defects in advance in 2021. Last year, it became the first in the industry to apply the 'AI Process Recipe' to the manufacturing process of its main product, high-spec camera modules.
The AI Process Recipe involves AI thoroughly inspecting the entire initially set process. When a process expected to cause defects is detected in advance, AI runs simulations reflecting numerous variables in the process, such as machine operation intensity, conveyor belt speed, and indoor temperature, based on the defect prediction results. This principle derives the optimal process recipe that minimizes the defect rate.
Previously, when defects were detected during the initial mass production performance inspection of camera modules, it took more than 72 hours to find a new process recipe. However, with the application of the AI Process Recipe, this process was shortened to within 6 hours. The hassle of repeatedly modifying recipes and producing samples based on engineers' experience disappeared.
In particular, as a result of applying the AI Process Recipe, the defect rate in major inspection items that previously had high defect detection rates decreased by up to 90%.
An LG Innotek official said, "We trained AI with tens of millions of data related to the camera module process to derive the optimal recipe," adding, "This data asset will play a decisive role in driving the company's quality capabilities in the future."
As the defect rate of camera modules decreased, LG Innotek achieved cost competitiveness improvement. LG Innotek's operating profit in the first quarter increased by 21.1% year-on-year to 176 billion KRW.
LG Innotek plans to expand the application of the AI Process Recipe to semiconductor substrates within this year and increase the types of products whose yield can be improved using AI.
Moon Hyuk-soo, CEO of LG Innotek, said, "We will continue digital manufacturing process innovation using advanced AI," and added, "We will strengthen our position as a 'global technology innovation company' that makes customers number one globally through technology, quality, and production competitiveness."
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