Korean tech start-ups seek global footing at International CES

LAS VEGAS ― A handful of small but tech-savvy Korean companies are ramping up efforts to gain a footing in the global technology industry during the 2015 International CES here.

Among those start-ups debuting at the world’s largest consumer electronics show is ImageNEXT, the developer of the OmniPAD, consisting of 360 degree-view cameras, a navigation system and a block box.

“The OmniPAD is targeting not only sedans but also various types of vehicles including trucks and school buses,” Baek Won-in, the chief executive of ImageNEXT, told The Korea Herald.

A notable feature of the camera-and-navigation system is that it can provide a myriad of information to drivers such as driving and maintenance records, vehicle status and gas usage.

The CEO said “the OmniPAD could revolutionize the logistics industry, as it can significantly reduce vehicle maintenance costs and increase efficiency.”

With smartphones connected to the OmniPAD through networks, people other than drivers can monitor the outside views recorded by the around-view cameras.

HoloDigilog Human Media Research Center, a college start-up, has brought its rough but futuristic displays to the electronics trade show.

With the start-up’s omnidirectional table top 3-D display, people can see holographic images, which almost seem to pop up like in scenes from science-fiction movies.

“Even though the resolution displayed here at the trade show is a bit low, it will greatly improve down the road,” said Kim Seung-cheol, professor at the research center of Kwangwoon University in Seoul, at HoloDigilog’s booth at the trade show.

Haesung Optics, a camera module and black box manufacturer and supplier of Samsung Electronics, is joining the Las Vegas electronics event for the second straight year, featuring high-definition lens for endoscopes.

The Korean camera module maker provides its products to global smartphone and security camera powerhouses, including Samsung, Honeywell and Hikvision.

Fifty-four small and medium-sized firms led by the state-run Korean Trade Investment Promotion Agency are also taking part in this year’s CES.

By Kim Young-won, Korea Herald correspondent(wone0102@heraldcorp.com)