LG Innotek Unveils Next-Generation Under-Display Camera Module for Advanced Driver Monitoring
LG Innotek has announced the successful development of its Next-Generation Under-Display Camera Module (UDC), designed to be installed behind a vehicle’s instrument cluster for driver monitoring. This innovative technology will be showcased at CES 2026, marking a significant advancement in automotive safety and interior design.
Revolutionizing Driver Monitoring Systems with Invisible Camera Technology
The new UDC is a core component of the Driver Monitoring System (DMS), which integrates a camera and intelligent software to continuously assess the driver’s condition. By mounting the camera behind the instrument cluster display—commonly known as the dashboard—the UDC remains completely hidden from both drivers and passengers. Despite its concealed position, the system effectively monitors critical indicators such as driver drowsiness and attention levels, enhancing road safety without compromising vehicle aesthetics.
As autonomous driving technologies evolve, DMS solutions are becoming essential for preventing inattentive or careless driving. Regulatory bodies are taking notice: the European Union will require DMS in all new vehicles starting July 2026 under the General Safety Regulation, and similar mandates are under consideration in the United States, China, and Japan. This regulatory momentum is driving demand for advanced, invisible camera modules that support seamless, premium vehicle interiors—especially in luxury and next-generation autonomous vehicles.
Overcoming Industry Challenges: Image Quality and Design Integration
One of the longstanding challenges with under-display camera technology has been image quality degradation, caused by the dashboard display obstructing light transmission to the camera. This issue has made automakers hesitant to adopt UDCs, as clear and accurate imaging is critical for effective driver monitoring. Traditional DMS cameras, which are often mounted visibly on the dashboard or steering wheel, disrupt the clean lines of modern vehicle interiors and can raise privacy concerns among drivers.
To address these challenges, LG Innotek collaborated with LG Display, a leader in automotive display technology, to jointly develop the next-generation UDC. After a year of intensive research and development, the companies introduced an industry-first solution that maintains high image quality while keeping the camera completely hidden behind the display panel.
Breakthrough Performance: High-Fidelity Imaging and AI Enhancement
LG Innotek’s Next-Generation UDC delivers image quality on par with traditional, unobstructed DMS cameras. The system achieves at least 99% image fidelity compared to cameras placed directly in front of the driver, effectively resolving the image degradation typically associated with under-display installations. This breakthrough ensures the camera can accurately detect facial expressions, eye movements, and head position—key factors for reliable driver monitoring.
To further enhance image clarity, LG Innotek has developed proprietary AI image restoration software. This advanced software utilizes algorithms for deblurring and denoising, restoring sharpness and reducing visual noise in images captured through the display panel. As a result, the Next-Generation UDC provides clear, actionable data for driver monitoring, meeting the stringent requirements of automakers and regulators alike.
Expanding Capabilities and Future Applications
Looking ahead, LG Innotek plans to expand the capabilities of its UDC technology. Future iterations are expected to recognize not only the driver but also passengers and their individual characteristics, enabling personalized features such as automatic seat adjustments and climate control settings. This aligns with the growing trend toward intelligent, user-centric vehicle interiors.
The introduction of the Next-Generation UDC strengthens LG Innotek’s portfolio of autonomous driving sensing solutions, which now encompass both in-cabin and exterior vehicle monitoring. The company is leveraging its expertise in smartphone camera modules to develop integrated solutions that combine camera modules, LiDAR, and radar technologies for comprehensive vehicle sensing.
Strategic Partnerships and Market Outlook
LG Innotek has recently expanded its strategic partnerships to accelerate innovation in autonomous driving. The company formed an alliance with Aeva, a leading U.S. LiDAR technology provider, and invested in Smart Radar System, a Korean specialist in 4D imaging radar. These collaborations aim to secure advanced sensing solutions for the next generation of vehicles.
In addition to the UDC, LG Innotek has introduced other advanced automotive camera modules, such as a high-performance heated camera that significantly reduces snow and frost removal time, and an RGB-IR in-cabin camera module capable of monitoring both drivers and passengers with a single unit.
According to S&P Global, the global market for in-cabin camera modules is projected to grow from USD 1.8 billion in 2025 to USD 5.1 billion by 2035, representing a compound annual growth rate of 11%. LG Innotek aims to capture a significant share of this expanding market by delivering innovative, reliable, and seamlessly integrated sensing solutions for the automotive industry.
