[K-SCIENCE] New Korean Technologies at CES

Here are cutting-edge technologies Korean companies introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) held in Las Vegas earlier this month.

The television screen is being unfolded as it appears from inside the square-shaped speaker of the gadget.

This is a 'rollable' OLED TV developed and introduced by LG Electronics for the first time in the world.

The TV screen is actually flexible, with the display able to be rolled up into its base at the click of a button.

[Baek Seon-Pil, executive, LG Electronics]
"The rollable TV requires not only an ultra-thin rollable OLED display but also technologies to enhance the quality of images and sound."

Meanwhile, Samsung Electronics showcased a 75-inch MicroLED television at the U.S. trade show, which uses smaller LED chips helping pump out denser pixels.

The company also unveiled a giant TV, dubbed 'The Wall', at the U.S. trade show. Its multiple modules allow users to customize the TV set to different sizes and designs for various spaces.

[Han Jong-Hee, president, Samsung's display division]
"In order for our Micro LEDs to display content in 4K resolution, it requires millions of built-in chips."

South Korea's top automaker Hyundai Motor unveiled the "Hyundai Elevate" "walking car" concept at the trade show.

Described as the first Ultimate Mobility Vehicle (UMV), the car's novel, unique design blends technology for electric vehicles as well as that for robots, allowing it to traverse various terrains, including stairs beyond the limitations of even the off-road vehicle, with four legs.

If commercialized, Hyundai Elevate will contribute to search and rescue operations, as well as safety and mobility of vulnerable road users.

The monitor screen offers 3D images without any assistance of 3D glasses.

The South Korean venture company that has developed the program for the monitor screen has received a CES Innovation Award.

[Shin Chang-Bong, CEO, venture firm]
"The technology enables the camera in front to track down what viewers watch and adjust all the pixels (from the monitor) to accurately reach their eyes."

Another Korean firm has introduced an application that allows a smartphone to be used as a hearing aid.

[Kim Won-Gyun, application developer]
"(The application) collects sound from around those with hearing loss and transforms the sound into what they can hear on a real-time basis."

Naver Corp., South Korea's top portal operator, debuted at the CES with its own robot technology.

SK Telecom and two other subsidiaries under the SK Group knocked on the door of the CES for the first time this year.

An increasing number of Korean firms have made a debut in the global market through the CES which is a trade show for all those who thrive on the business of innovative consumer technologies.