Kumho HT Develops Korea's First High-Resolution Pixel Headlamp Linked to Autonomous Driving

Automotive electronics company Kumho HT is developing the country's first micro LED headlamp optimized for autonomous driving. Kumho HT announced on the 26th that it is leading a government project titled "Development of Ultra-High-Resolution Micro LED Intelligent Pixel Lighting for Expanding the Global Automotive Parts Supply Chain."

This government project focuses on developing ultra-high-resolution smart lamps that can be linked with automotive sensors and autonomous driving systems. The project will receive government support of 3 billion KRW over three years, with the Korea Photonics Technology Institute (KOPTI) and Sapien Semiconductor participating as joint research institutions.

In this project, Kumho HT plans to develop a high-resolution headlamp by connecting micro LEDs to an active-matrix backplane, enabling independent control of each pixel. According to the company, the headlamp will be equipped with a display composed of approximately 5,000 LEDs, each measuring 20 micrometers (μm), allowing precise control of light.

A Kumho HT representative stated, "We have demonstrated outstanding technological capabilities related to automotive LED modules through multiple collaborations with the Korea Photonics Technology Institute and Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST)." He added, "We plan to complete the headlamp development and supply the product to Indian automobile manufacturers."

He continued, "The intelligent headlamp can automatically adjust the direction and brightness of light according to driving conditions, playing an essential role in enhancing safety in complex driving situations." He further added, "Through the achievements of this government project, we will strengthen our position in the global autonomous driving electronics market."

As high-level autonomous vehicles become commercialized in the future, demand for high-performance smart lamps linked with autonomous driving networks is expected to increase significantly. According to the global market research firm Mordor Intelligence, the global market size for vehicle smart lamps is projected to grow from $5.32 billion (approximately 7 trillion KRW) this year to $8.23 billion (approximately 11 trillion KRW) by 2029, at a compound annual growth rate of 9.09%.