Automotive Laser Beam Scanner Deal Targets South Korea

Global Technologies and TriLite Technologies Sign Automotive Projection MoU

South Korea’s Global Technologies has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Austria-based TriLite Technologies to jointly develop, manufacture, and commercialize automotive laser beam scanner (LBS) projection solutions. The collaboration focuses on bringing advanced projection technology to automotive applications, initially targeting South Korean automakers. The companies intend to combine their respective capabilities to develop integrated projection systems, establish manufacturing operations in South Korea, and expand the technology into additional automotive applications as the collaboration progresses.

Automotive Projection Technology and Potential Applications

Automotive projection technology enables vehicles to display images and information directly onto the road using projection units installed in locations such as vehicle doors and side mirrors. These systems can support different forms of communication between vehicles and their surrounding environment. Potential applications include providing guidance to occupants when exiting a vehicle and communicating information to pedestrians. By developing laser beam scanner-based projection solutions, Global Technologies and TriLite Technologies aim to establish a technology platform that can support these automotive applications, beginning with door projection systems.

TriLite and Global Technologies Define Their Development Responsibilities

Headquartered in Vienna, Austria, TriLite Technologies specializes in ultra-compact laser beam scanner display technology. Under the proposed collaboration, TriLite will contribute its LBS optical engine, while Global Technologies will take responsibility for designing the overall automotive system. Its engineering scope includes drive electronics, module integration, optics, thermal management, and vehicle interfaces. The partnership is intended to combine TriLite’s optical technology with Global Technologies’ automotive system integration capabilities, creating a foundation for developing projection solutions that can meet vehicle-level integration requirements.

Door Projection Proof of Concept Targeted for First-Half 2027

The first development milestone will be a proof of concept (PoC) focused on automotive door projection. TriLite Technologies will supply the LBS optical engine, and Global Technologies will develop the associated system architecture and integration components. The companies aim to complete this proof of concept in the first half of 2027. During the evaluation, they intend to assess the technology’s feasibility and safety under actual vehicle operating conditions. This initial validation will help determine whether the proposed projection solution can progress toward further automotive development and potential commercialization.

South Korean Manufacturing and Future SoC Development Plans

If the proof of concept is successful, the companies plan to prioritize discussions about manufacturing LBS optical engine modules in South Korea. They also intend to explore the joint development of automotive systems-on-chip (SoCs). These potential activities represent the next stage of the collaboration beyond the initial door projection demonstration. The proposed manufacturing approach would establish a local production focus, while joint SoC development could extend the partnership into additional automotive system technologies. However, these activities remain conditional on the outcome of the initial proof of concept and subsequent discussions.

Industry Impact & Outlook

The collaboration brings together specialized laser projection technology and automotive system integration capabilities, creating a potential pathway for expanding projection-based communication features in vehicles. For South Korean automakers, the initial door projection project could provide an opportunity to evaluate applications involving vehicle occupants and pedestrians under real operating conditions. The planned first-half 2027 proof of concept will be an important technical milestone, particularly for assessing feasibility and safety. If successful, discussions around local optical engine module production and joint SoC development could broaden the partnership's scope and strengthen its potential role in South Korea's automotive technology supply chain.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the partnership between Global Technologies and TriLite Technologies about?
Global Technologies and TriLite Technologies have signed an MoU to develop, manufacture, and commercialize automotive laser beam scanner projection solutions. The collaboration initially targets South Korean automakers and focuses on developing door projection technology. TriLite will provide its LBS optical engine, while Global Technologies will handle overall automotive system design and integration. The companies also intend to establish mass production in South Korea and explore additional applications. Their immediate priority is to complete a proof of concept before proceeding with potential manufacturing and further technology development.

2. What are the proposed applications of automotive laser beam scanner projection technology?
Automotive laser beam scanner projection technology can display images and information onto the road from vehicle locations such as doors and side mirrors. The technology is intended to support communication between vehicles, occupants, and pedestrians through projected visual information. One identified application is providing guidance when occupants exit a vehicle, while another involves communicating with pedestrians. The collaboration between Global Technologies and TriLite Technologies will initially concentrate on door projection before potentially expanding the technology's application range through subsequent development activities.

3. When will the automotive door projection proof of concept be completed?
Global Technologies and TriLite Technologies are targeting completion of their automotive door projection proof of concept in the first half of 2027. TriLite will supply the laser beam scanner optical engine, while Global Technologies will develop the overall automotive system, including drive electronics, module integration, optics, thermal management, and vehicle interfaces. The evaluation will examine the solution's feasibility and safety under actual vehicle operating conditions. Its outcome will help determine the next steps for potential South Korean manufacturing and further collaborative technology development.