News/Notice
NAMUGA, a leader in camera-based sensing technologies, is expanding into four key markets: Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Mobility, and Biomedical sectors. By leveraging its advanced vision-sensing capabilities, the company targets annual revenues exceeding 600 billion KRW (approximately $450 million) by 2027.
In an exclusive interview with The Electronic Times, NAMUGA CEO Don Lee shared the company’s strategic ambitions. “We are focusing on new business domains where our 3D camera-based sensing technology can excel,” Mr. Don Lee said. “Currently, we are running more than ten projects across these sectors, many in collaboration with global partners. We expect tangible results soon.”
Pioneering 3D Sensing Technologies
NAMUGA, known for its camera modules used in smartphones and
home appliances, stands out for its expertise in 3D sensing technology, which measures
depth and recognizes object shapes through cameras. The company introduced its
first Time-of-Flight (ToF) module in 2010 and followed it with a ToF-based 3D
sensing camera module in 2011.
NAMUGA 3D Sensing Module
ToF technology, which gained wider recognition after Apple
used it for facial recognition in the iPhone in 2020, measures the time it
takes for light to bounce back, enabling precise recognition of spatial
information, object dimensions, and motion.
Mr. Don Lee emphasized its applications, particularly in AR and VR.
“In AR and VR devices, 3D sensing enables hand gesture recognition for device
control or eye-tracking for enhanced user experience. Soon, devices equipped
with our ToF camera modules will be launched in these markets,” he said.
Growth Across Emerging Industries
The integration of 3D sensing with artificial intelligence
(AI) is further expanding its utility. For example, NAMUGA has been supplying
3D sensing modules for Samsung Electronics’ AI-powered robotic vacuums since
2021. These modules enable the vacuums to detect obstacles and navigate spaces
autonomously.
The technology’s application is also growing in mobility,
particularly with the shift toward autonomous vehicles, as well as in security
and healthcare. “We are developing a facial tone recognition technology in
collaboration with a Belgian company, combining image sensors with color
recognition. These developments are central to our decision to target these
four key markets,” Mr. Don Lee added.
Operational Shifts for Strategic Growth
Since taking the helm in January, Mr. Don Lee has focused on
strengthening NAMUGA’s new business initiatives and fostering client
relationships. As part of these efforts, the company relocated its headquarters
to Pangyo in July, South Korea’s tech innovation hub. Meanwhile, its cleanroom-based
R&D facilities remain in Seongnam. NAMUGA operates a business model where
R&D and sales are managed domestically, while all manufacturing is
conducted at its Vietnam facility.
“The relocation of our headquarters was a critical step in
building connections with global companies and identifying new business
opportunities,” Mr. Don Lee explained.
The efforts are beginning to bear fruit. While smartphone
camera modules previously accounted for 99% of NAMUGA’s sales, that figure has
decreased to 95-96% this year. The company aims to reduce this share further to
70-75% by 2027, with new businesses contributing 25-30% of total revenue. NAMUGA’s
annual revenue for 2022 was 365.6 billion KRW.
Boosting Efficiency Through Automation
NAMUGA has also optimized its Vietnam production facility by
reducing its workforce while maintaining production efficiency. The company has
cut its headcount from 1,600 at the start of the year to under 1,000, thanks to
automation efforts. Despite the reduced workforce, production levels have been
maintained or even increased.
NAMUGA Vietnam Factory
“While we’ve reduced manpower, productivity has significantly improved, resulting in higher revenue,” Mr. Don Lee said. A veteran in process automation, Mr. Don Lee previously held leadership roles at LG Electronics, Dover Group, Tyco Group, and Samsung S-1.
NAMUGA’s strategic focus on emerging industries, alongside
its operational efficiencies, is poised to drive the company’s growth as a
leader in vision-sensing technology.
Source: etnews, 2024
