LG to introduce transparent, telecom antenna for automobiles soon

LG's 'film-type antenna' will work either attached to glass or built into it and supports 5G, Wi-Fi, and navigation using GNSS
The image displays an antenna placed on a cars rooftop. — Unsplash
The image displays an antenna placed on a car's rooftop. — Unsplash

LG Electronics (LG) announced on Monday that it’s going to launch its transparent antenna for automobiles soon.

Although the official statement by the company didn't confirm when the antenna will be launched, it stated that the disclosure of the antenna will be made at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January 2024.

Applied directly to vehicle glass, the “transparent film-type antenna was designed in collaboration with renowned French glass manufacturer, Saint-Gobain Sekurit,” the company said in an official statement.

With the potential to strengthen LG’s standing in the automotive solutions market, the company’s transparent telematics solution is going to be acclaimed in this rapidly evolving sector, The Verge reported.

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Eun Seok-hyun, president of LG Vehicle Component Solutions Company, said, “As a global leader in telematics and automotive solutions, LG is committed to advancing its technological capabilities and will continue to introduce new solutions that drive the evolution of the mobility experience.”

Demanding cutting-edge telecommunications environments capable of real-time data exchange, this innovative technology is set to drive a connectivity revolution in the automotive industry.

LG has designed a see-through antenna that works well with different types of glass and car designs. It can be placed on the glass or within the glass itself. This antenna covers a large area, ensuring good communication and can handle increased network use.

What’s supported in LG’s transparent antenna?

The innovation supports 5G, GNSS, and Wi-Fi for better connectivity. The best part is, that it can be easily added to car windshields or glass sunroofs without changing the vehicle's design.

This eliminates the need for special housing for traditional antennas. The see-through antenna has over 80 LG patents, making the antenna patterns and electrode technology transparent.

“We’re pleased to unveil our smart glass featuring LG’s transparent antenna technology,” said Thibaut Heitz, Innovation and R&D Director of Saint-Gobain Sekurit. “In collaboration with LG, a leader in vehicle component solutions, we are pioneering advancements in vehicle telecommunications. Our common objective aim is to provide an enriched and unique in-vehicle environment, bringing the future of mobility to fruition.”