South Korean electronic component manufacturing company LG Innotek announced they have developed a ‘digital car key module.’ The digital car key is a communication module that provides wireless data transmission between smartphones and automobiles. Through the use of ultra-wideband and Bluetooth low energy module technology, the digital key allows interoperation with a smartphone.
“The demand for digital key modules is increasing every year as the vehicle sharing industry such as car-sharing and rental cars is growing,” said LG Innotek. According to the electric component company, their digital car key module is five times more accurate than existing smart keys. LG Innotek equipped the car key module with the capacity for high-precision location detection, as well as high-security functions.
“The module’s error range between the smartphone’s location and the recognition location has been reduced from 50 centimeters to under 10 centimeters,” said Ryu In-soo, chief of LG Innotek’s Automotive Components & Electronics Business Division.
The digital key module allows drivers to open or lock car doors, start engines, and easily locate their vehicles. The technology provides users easier inspection of vehicle conditions such as fuel efficiency, tire pressure, and mileage. To minimize the possibility of car theft, the module requires the smartphone to be inside the vehicle when driving.
“It will be possible to implement various mobility services using the digital car key module to enhance customer value,” continued Ryu. “We will continue to release innovative automotive components that can provide drivers with convenient, safe, and enjoyable driving experience.”
Future of digital keys
“LG’s digital car key module is compact and slim. The module contains about 60 components, including radio-frequency and power-blocking elements.” LG stated that With its compact size, it can be freely installed anywhere inside and outside a vehicle,” LG stated.
With the target of mass-producing the digital car key by 2022, LG Innotek is steadily conducting promotions for the module. For further product promotion, they are fostering relations with vehicle and vehicle component manufacturers in Japan, Europe, and the US.
According to Strategy Analytics, they are anticipating the growth of vehicles supporting digital keys. They are expecting a 360-percent increase, from last year’s 6.3 million to 28.9 million by 2025.
