Katarzyna Petru
LG Display has announced the development of the world's first stretchable display, which can increase its dimensions by 50%. The new prototype has a 12-inch screen that can be stretched to 18 inches while maintaining a high resolution of 100 ppi and full RGB color reproduction.
Compared to the earlier prototype from 2022, which achieved 20% stretchability, the current model offers over twice the flexibility. These improvements are the result of a new wiring design and a special silicone substrate, similar to that used in contact lenses. As a result, the display can be stretched over 10,000 times.
Stretchable displays are thin, lightweight, and can adhere to irregular surfaces such as clothing or skin. They are expected to find applications in various industries, from fashion and wearable devices to automotive. During the presentation, LG Display showcased concepts for using these displays, including a car panel that stretches into a convex shape and can be operated manually, as well as a display worn on firefighters' uniforms, providing real-time information.
This project is part of a national research program conducted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy of South Korea, aimed at the development of next-generation display technologies. LG Display, as the leader of this project since 2020, collaborates with 19 industrial and research institutions. With the successful completion of the project, the company not only secured key technologies for future displays but also contributed to the localization of materials, components, and equipment, as well as the construction of research and development infrastructure. So, are flexible displays the upcoming revolution that will change the industry, or just another demonstration of technological capabilities without real applications? What is your opinion?
