LG Display, a global leader in advanced display technology, has unveiled the world’s first stretchable display with an unprecedented 50% elongation capability. The company showcased this innovative technology at LG Science Park during a meeting attended by over 100 experts from South Korea’s industry, academia, and research communities.
Stretchable displays are considered a breakthrough in screen technology due to their ability to change shape, including stretching, folding, and twisting, without compromising functionality. LG Display’s latest prototype features a 12-inch panel that can expand to 18 inches, maintaining a high resolution of 100ppi (pixels per inch) and vibrant RGB color output.
Significant Technological Advancements
This new display represents a significant improvement over LG Display’s 2022 prototype, which had a 20% stretchability rate. To achieve this milestone, the company utilized cutting-edge materials and designs, including:
- Special Silicon Material Substrate: Similar to those used in contact lenses, offering enhanced flexibility.
- Micro-LED Technology: Light sources as small as 40μm ensure durability and consistent image quality.
- Innovative Wiring Design: Improves stretchability and withstands repeated deformations.
The panel has been tested to endure over 10,000 stretches, maintaining performance under extreme conditions such as temperature fluctuations and physical impacts.
Versatile Applications Across Industries
The stretchable display’s thin, lightweight, and flexible characteristics open up a range of potential applications. Its ability to adhere to irregular surfaces, including clothing and skin, positions it as a transformative solution for industries such as:
- Wearables and Fashion: Integrating displays into garments and accessories.
- Automotive: Flexible dashboard panels that adjust to user preferences.
- Emergency Services: Wearable displays for firefighters, providing critical real-time information during operations.
Collaborative Innovation
Since being appointed as the lead company for South Korea’s national Stretchable Display project in 2020, LG Display has collaborated with 19 domestic industry and research institutions. The project is part of a larger initiative supported by South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) to develop next-generation display technologies.
This collaborative effort has not only advanced core technologies but also contributed to the localization of essential materials, components, and equipment, strengthening South Korea’s R&D ecosystem.
“We are committed to fostering a sustainable display technology ecosystem through close collaboration with industry, academia, and research partners,” said Soo-young Yoon, CTO and Executive Vice President of LG Display.
