LG Innotek, Boston Dynamics Join Forces on Advanced Robot Vision

Seoul, South Korea—LG Innotek and Boston Dynamics announced on Tuesday that they have partnered to develop vision sensing systems for robots.

The agreement will focus on creating vision technology that functions as the "eyes" of robots. 

LG Innotek will develop vision sensing modules for Boston Dynamics' humanoid robot Atlas, while the U.S. robotics company will create software to process the visual data.

The vision sensing system will integrate multiple components, including RGB cameras and 3D sensing modules, into a single unit. 

This integration aims to enhance robots' ability to detect their surroundings accurately in challenging conditions, such as darkness or poor weather, by aggregating information from different sensing components.

LG Innotek CEO Moon Hyuksoo said that Boston Dynamics' collaboration gives the company "an advantage in the robotics components market. We will continue introducing core components for robots that lead the robotics era and create differentiated customer value."

Robert Playter, CEO of Boston Dynamics, stated: "Robots should be able to see, process, and perceive the world as well as humans. I hope that by working together, we will develop groundbreaking vision systems that are as advanced as the cameras in your mobile phones."

The partnership leverages LG Innotek's expertise in optical technology, particularly from its development of camera modules for smartphones and autonomous vehicles. 

The company previously unveiled a Sensor pod at CES 2024, a sensing module for autonomous vehicles that combines multiple sensing components in one device, similar to the concept developed for robot vision.

Beyond this specific project, the companies will also explore applications of various core technologies, including optics, to robotic systems.

LG Innotek has expanded its business portfolio into new areas, including semiconductors, autonomous driving, and robotics.