SEOUL: LG Innotek has announced an improved "digital key" for cars that allows users to open, lock, and start their vehicles via a smartphone connected through wireless technology, eliminating the need for a physical key and reducing theft risk.
The surge in vehicle-sharing services has boosted demand for digital keys. Persistence Market Research forecasts the automotive digital key market to expand from US$3 billion (RM13.3bil) in 2023 to US$11.4 billion (RM51bil) by 2033.
LG Innotek's latest offering builds on its 2021 Digital Key Module, integrating advanced safety and convenience features.
The solution includes a digital key module with antenna, circuitry, and operational software, enhancing the company's competitive edge.
This "next-generation digital key solution" boasts superior wireless communication capabilities, incorporating Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Ultra Wideband (UWB) technologies.
UWB, with its broad bandwidth and low interference, ensures precise smartphone location detection within 10cm. This advancement addresses issues with current digital keys, reducing failure rates.
The solution’s short-range communication offers heightened security compared to long-range methods, mitigating remote hacking risks.
LG Innotek's proprietary anti-hacking technology ensures that only authorised smartphones can activate the digital key. It complies with the Car Connectivity Consortium's standards, supporting global compatibility with both iOS and Android devices.
Additionally, the solution features an in-house developed radar for "Child Presence Detection", alerting users if a child is left in the vehicle.
The new digital key is set for mass production by 2027.
