LG Innotek (011070.KS) will supply camera modules for robotaxis to Zoox, the self-driving unit of U.S. e-commerce giant Amazon. It marks the first time the company will deliver camera modules at scale for robotaxis already in commercial service. LG Innotek said it plans to expand its partnership with Zoox on the back of the deal and strengthen its growth base in autonomous driving and physical AI.
Zoox, an autonomous driving technology company Amazon acquired in 2020, has developed a purpose-built robotaxi aimed at providing safe and efficient mobility services. Last year it built the world's first production facility dedicated to robotaxis in Hayward, California, and launched a robotaxi hailing service on public roads in Las Vegas.
Zoox is regarded as the first company to commercialize a driverless ride-hailing service using a purpose-built robotaxi of its own design rather than a retrofitted vehicle.
LG Innotek has worked with Zoox on technology since the early stages of its development. Under the supply contract, LG Innotek's automotive camera modules will be installed in Zoox robotaxis for years to come.
The camera module is a 5-megapixel high-resolution product that draws on the ultra-precision optical design technology LG Innotek has accumulated in its mobile camera business. It serves as a core sensor that allows an autonomous vehicle to accurately recognize its surroundings.
The cameras, placed around the vehicle, each use a different field of view to densely monitor the full 360-degree area around the car. That reduces blind spots, long cited as a limitation of existing sensor systems, and supports more precise driving decisions.
The product is also designed to withstand wide temperature swings and harsh external conditions. It maintains performance after prolonged exposure to extreme weather and is waterproof, delivering stable detection capability.
LG Innotek said it will use the deal to expand its presence in physical AI markets such as autonomous driving and robotics and to strengthen its competitiveness as a supplier of core future mobility components.
Separately, LG Innotek is reported to have won a contract to supply camera modules for Tesla's robotaxi. The company plans to mass-produce camera modules for Tesla robotaxis following further discussions with the automaker.
