LG Display may have just redefined “flexible” displays. On Friday, the South Korean company unveiled a prototype for the world’s first truly stretchable display, capable of expanding by 50% without sacrificing image quality.

The prototype features a 12-inch screen that stretches to 18 inches while maintaining a high resolution of 100 pixels per inch and full RGB color.

This isn’t LG’s first attempt at creating a stretchable display. The company showcased a prototype in 2022, though it had a maximum elongation rate of just 20%.

LG’s stretchable display is truly unique
“Ultimate display technology” is how LG describes its innovation. Unlike current flexible displays that bend or fold, these displays can truly transform, twist, and stretch into various shapes. This opens doors to a plethora of innovative applications across diverse sectors.

The development is part of a national project spearheaded by South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, launched in 2020. LG Display leads the consortium of 19 research institutes involved in the project.

While the initial target was a 20% elongation rate, the team successfully doubled it through novel technologies. These include a special silicon substrate material commonly used in contact lenses and a groundbreaking approach to display wiring. 

Durability is another key feature. LG Display claims the prototype can withstand repeated stretching up to 10,000 times. Additionally, the display employs a micro-LED light source measuring just 40 micrometers. This ensures consistent image quality even in challenging environments with extreme temperatures or external shocks.

At the event, the company demonstrated several applications of the display, including a curved automotive display that can be controlled by touch gestures and a wearable display integrated into firefighters’ uniforms for real-time information access.

In addition to their unique stretchability, these displays are thin, lightweight, and can adhere to curved surfaces, such as clothing or skin. LG expects this technology to be widely adopted across various industries, from fashion and wearables to the mobility sector.

TrendForce 2024 Micro LED Market Trend and Technology Cost Analysis
Release: 31 May / 30 November 2024
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