[On the Job] Breaking Boundaries: Exploring Human-Centered Innovation at LG Labs
-
Similar Topics
-
By News Reporter
To deliver innovative heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) solutions that are Ahead of the Expected, LG continues to push the boundaries of heat pump technology in cold climates. At AHR Expo 2025 in Orlando, Florida, the company showcased its energy-efficient solutions that enhance comfort while hosting a special roundtable on the Consortium for Advanced Heat Pump Research and its vision for the industry. Three LG representatives joined the consortium to bring their knowledge and insights to the table.
As climate change continues to cause major disruption around the world, the need for high-efficiency heating and cooling systems for all temperatures has been rising. Steve Scarbrough, senior vice president and general manager of LG Air Conditioning Technologies USA, joined the panel to highlight the advantages of LG’s heat pump technology in extreme climates. LG offers a wide lineup of heat pump solutions, including water heaters, boasting its cutting-edge inverter heat pump technology. What’s more, with the introduction of a highly efficient, oil-free inverter centrifugal chiller, LG now supplies 259,000 RT of chilled water to one of the largest data centers in the world. “We are excited to bring new products to market that are customized for all kinds of environments from single small spaces to large-scale industry settings,” said Scarborough.
Although heat pumps have traditionally been associated with warmer southern climates, LG’s introduction of its Inverter Compressor to the U.S. has allowed it to build a strong lineup of heat pumps that provide effective heating in cold climates. Moreover, LG has expanded its LGRED° (Reliable to Extreme Degrees) Heat Technology to more products, facilitating high-efficiency performance under more challenging conditions.
LG has successfully constructed substantial networks in heat pump solutions by investing in research and development and strategic partnerships with key industry players. For example, LG established the Consortium for Advanced Heat Pump Research with the University of Alaska network in 2023 to conduct real-life research and testing on various types of heat pumps.
Sunwoo Kim, professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, said the consortium focuses on minimizing thermal resistance in the outdoor unit’s heat exchanger to maximize heat pump efficiency. Researchers are also trying to uncover innovative ways to integrate heat pumps with existing fossil fuel boilers. “If we have a smart and well-designed hybrid system that optimally balances the heat pump with existing traditional systems, we could significantly reduce costs and carbon dioxide emissions,” said Kim. The University of Alaska’s cold climate heat pump labs in Anchorage opened last December, and is now testing heat pump applications in the real world.
The partnership with the Universities has already borne fruit. For instance, the first joint project with the University of Alaska Fairbanks has been largely credited for the LG Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump, which won the 2025 AHR Innovation Award. “The consortium aims to become the major hub of research and education in cold climate heating systems,” said Getu Hailu, associate professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alaska Anchorage and faculty advisor for ASHRAE and ASME.
By constantly promoting deeper discussions to realize its vision for heat pump solutions, LG has once again demonstrated its unwavering dedication to breaking down barriers in cold climate heating while underscoring its status as the leading innovator of heat pumps.
# # #
link hidden, please login to view -
By News Reporter
Company Gains Global Acclaim for Functional Safety and Reliability,
Strengthening its Position in the Automotive Semiconductor Market
SEOUL, Feb. 5, 2025 — LG Electronics (LG) has developed a high-performance automotive Micro Controller Unit (MCU) that has garnered global recognition for its functionality, safety and reliability. Building on its previous success in creating exclusive chips for AI home appliances and smart TVs, LG is now accelerating its AI semiconductor design and development in the mobility sector.
Recently, LG obtained ISO 26262 certification from TÜV Rheinland, a renowned German testing and certification organization, for its automotive MCU. This certification, established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), is an international standard for functional safety in automotive applications. It rigorously verifies the safety and reliability of electrical and electronic systems in vehicles to prevent accidents caused by system failures. LG had previously received ISO 26262 certification for its automotive semiconductor development process, and the high-performance MCU developed under this process has also been recognized for its excellence in functional safety.
This MCU, LG’s first self-developed automotive semiconductor, is designed for infotainment applications, such as monitoring Audio, Video and Navigation (AVN) systems and providing stable control of in-vehicle communications. LG possesses foundational technologies in all areas of automotive semiconductor design, implementation and verification, and through the acquisition of this certification, the company has secured high reliability in functional safety.
To proactively respond to the mobility market’s transition toward software-defined vehicles (SDV), LG continues to strengthen its automotive semiconductor development capabilities. The company plans to advance its technology to meet the complex and sophisticated requirements of the future mobility sector.
“LG’s vehicle components and solutions, autonomous driving technology and content services are recognized in the global market,” said Jin-gyeong Kim, head of LG’s SoC R&D Center. “We plan to enhance our competitiveness in the future mobility sector by strengthening our automotive semiconductor development process and design capabilities.”
LG continues to achieve qualitative growth in its automotive components business, including infotainment, electric vehicle components and automotive lighting. The company is also expanding its automotive business into service areas with Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) and Automotive Content Platform powered by webOS.
Previously, LG received certification from TÜV Rheinland for the development processes of “components for autonomous vehicles” and “vehicle media components,” such as ADAS, cameras, infotainment systems and vehicle displays.
# # #
link hidden, please login to view -
By News Reporter
The heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) industry is undergoing a significant transformation, shifting towards AI-driven solutions, clean technology and highly-efficient systems tailored to diverse regional needs. Embracing this shift, LG is leveraging its outstanding core technologies, AI and intimate knowledge of different industries to deliver HVAC solutions for a smarter, more efficient future.
LG’s dynamic HVAC business continues to expand its market presence and capabilities, investing heavily in R&D to develop innovative technologies for a new generation of eco-responsible temperature control and air quality systems. Over the past three years, it has achieved double-digit annual sales growth, making it one of LG’s fastest-growing concerns and an important driver of the company’s substantial and ongoing success in the B2B sector.
LG offers a comprehensive lineup of HVAC solutions optimized for a wide range of spaces, including residential, public, commercial and industrial. Its portfolio features large-capacity chillers – which are rapidly becoming the preferred choice for AI data centers where advanced and reliable heat management is essential – as well as an array of commercial and residential air conditioning systems. Utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as high-efficiency heat pumps, LG’s HVAC products provide outstanding cooling and heating performance and are widely acknowledged as effective electrification solutions suitable for replacing traditional fossil-fuel-driven systems.
In recognition of its efforts to lessen the environmental impacts of its HVAC solutions, LG has been named the “Most Sustainable Brand” in the HVAC category by Green Builder Media, a respected North American media outlet focusing on eco-friendly construction. In the U.S. and other countries, the company has created “locally self-sufficient operation systems” that encompass all key HVAC business functions – from R&D to maintenance and repair – and are tailored to local needs.
LG is also strongly committed to delivering dependable, energy-efficient heat pump solutions for regions affected by unrelentingly low temperatures. To this end, the company has established a global consortium focused on R&D for cold-climate heat pumps with bases currently operating in Alaska (U.S.), Oslo (Norway) and Harbin (China) – all places that endure frigid winter conditions.
Last September, LG hosted the first-ever meeting of the Global Heat Pump Consortium in Seoul, South Korea, where LG’s HVAC experts and academic partners gathered to discuss the collaborative projects being undertaken by each of the consortium’s regional clusters. In addition to the consortium’s R&D labs, LG operates five Air Solution Research Centers (with locations in South Korea, North America, Europe and India) and runs a total of 62 HVAC academics across 43 countries. These academies, which train over 30,000 engineers annually, are helping to support the global adoption of the company’s advanced HVAC technologies.
LG’s competitive edge in HVAC is driven by its unmatched “Core-Tech” capabilities. By developing essential components like compressors and motors in-house, LG strives to ensure that all of its products deliver the first-class reliability and efficiency that its customers have come to expect. Its oil-free centrifugal chillers incorporate LG-designed magnetic bearings, impellers, compressors and heat exchangers. These chillers also leverage LG’s highly evolved AI Engine to enable predictive control and to ensure outstanding stability and performance. LG’s AI Engine even provides intelligent surge prevention, a feature that is critical for data centers, where any interruption in operation can potentially mean inconvenience for millions.
With a solid foundation of R&D, a proven track record of innovation and a commitment to sustainability-focused design and management, LG continues to reinforce its reputation as the global leader in HVAC. From pioneering a new generation of data center cooling solutions to advancing high-efficiency heat pump technologies for harsh climates, the company is doing all that it can to help usher in a smarter, more efficient future.
By James Lee, President of LG Electronics ES Company
# # #
link hidden, please login to view -
By News Reporter
Company Enhances Smart Home Connectivity With Open API
SEOUL, Dec. 17, 2024 — LG Electronics (LG) has fully opened the Application Programming Interface (API) of its smart home platform, LG ThinQ, enabling developers to easily create smart spaces with LG appliances.
Recently, LG launched the LG Smart Solution API Developer website (
link hidden, please login to view) to officially open up the LG ThinQ API. An API acts as a digital connector that allows different software to exchange functions seamlessly. Developers can utilize the open API to integrate various features from LG AI appliances into their programs or systems, enhancing their services. The LG ThinQ API is divided into two categories: the ThinQ API for individual users and the ThinQ Business API for corporate partners. The ThinQ API allows for remote control of LG devices installed in homes or buildings and facilitates integration with various platforms.
For individual users, the ThinQ API supports the control and monitoring of AI appliances registered in the LG ThinQ app from various smart home platforms. By utilizing the ThinQ API, anyone can easily create a customized smart home that fits their lifestyle. For example, users of the global smart home platform Home Assistant can now connect and control 26 types of LG AI appliances, including refrigerators and washing machines, within their existing smart home environment. Home Assistant is a community-based open platform with about one million users worldwide who collaboratively develop various smart home functions such as device automation and feature expansion.
For enterprises, the ThinQ Business API supports partners operating office or residential buildings in integrating and managing various LG products, from appliances to commercial equipment like HVAC and signage, with their existing apps. For instance, large residential buildings can integrate LG appliances with their existing management apps for more convenient use. Residents can reserve the use of LG washers and dryers in common areas through the building management app, or administrators can detect abnormal conditions in the building using LG’s temperature and humidity sensors and quickly respond to issues through alert functions.
Meanwhile, LG has accelerated the integration of external products and services into the LG ThinQ platform by acquiring the smart home platform company Athom, known for its extensive IoT device connectivity. Athom’s smart home hub Homey currently connects over 50,000 types of appliances and IoT devices, and the Athom app store features around 1,000 apps that connect and control products and services from global brands like Philips and Aqara. LG plans to integrate Athom’s extensive open ecosystem and IoT device connectivity into the AI home hub LG ThinQ On, aiming to realize an AI home where generative AI better understands customers and provides optimal space solutions.
“With the official launch of ThinQ AI, we aim to deepen engagement with open-source community smart home power users in the open-source community and broaden our collaboration with B2B partners. This initiative will bolster our efforts to create smart home ecosystems powered by LG appliances, enhancing customer experiences across multiple touchpoints,” said Kim Kun-woo, vice president of LG’s Home Appliance Solution Company.
# # #
* The main image is demonstrating potential use of the LG ThinQ API. Actual use may vary.
-
By News Reporter
Smart Life Solution Company Honored in Diverse Categories,
Taking Home Trio of Best of Innovation Awards
SEOUL, Nov. 14, 2024 — LG Electronics (LG) has garnered significant recognition for its cutting-edge smart life solutions at the CES® 2025 Innovation Awards, securing over 20 awards, including three prestigious Best of Innovation Awards.
The CES Innovation Awards program, presented annually by the Consumer Technology Association, celebrates groundbreaking consumer products and services across a diverse array of device and technology categories at the world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow.
LG’s impressive collection of CES 2025 Innovation Awards, which includes three “Best of Innovation” honors, underscores the company’s commitment to design and technological innovation. LG’s solutions are being recognized across multiple categories, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Home Appliances, Gaming & eSports, Imaging, Video Displays, Computer Hardware & Components, Smart Cities and Cybersecurity.
A highlight of LG’s achievements being honored at CES 2025 in Las Vegas next January is the LG OLED TV, which received six Innovation Awards, including the Best of Innovation Award in the Video Displays category. This marks the third consecutive year that the LG OLED TV has been recognized with Best of Innovation honors. Since their debut in 2013, the LG OLED TVs have earned at least one CES Innovation Award each year, solidifying its dominance in the premium TV market.
In addition, LG’s webOS smart TV platform, a cornerstone of the company’s platform-based service business, was honored with an Innovation Award in the Cybersecurity category. LG’s “Affectionate Intelligence” AI home hubs also received accolades at the CES 2025 Innovation Awards. These advanced devices exemplify the company’s “AI Home” concept, providing new value to customers and representing a significant advancement in smart home living.
The Self-Driving AI Home Hub, which won Innovation Awards in both the AI and Smart Home categories, features multimodal sensing capabilities that integrate voice, sound and image recognition. LG ThinQ ON, an AI home hub powered by generative AI, also earned a CES Innovation Award. Acting as the “brain” of the AI Home, LG ThinQ ON maintains seamless connectivity among home appliances and IoT devices around the clock.
The LG UltraGear OLED Gaming Monitor garnered three awards at CES 2025, including the Best of Innovation in the Gaming & eSports category, as well as an Innovation Award in the Imaging category. This advanced monitor merges the exceptional picture quality of OLED with an optimized viewing experience tailored for gamers.
Alongside the UltraGear OLED Gaming Monitor, other innovative LG products received awards, including the LG gram Pro 2-in-1, LG MyView Smart Monitor, LG UltraFine monitor and LG CineBeam projector, demonstrating the company’s extensive influence across technology categories.
The complete list and details of LG’s CES 2025 Innovation Award winners will be revealed at CES 2025 on January 5.
# # #
link hidden, please login to view
-
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.