Hanwha Systems and Truwin to form thermal sensor JV
For use in UAM
Hanwha Systems and Truwin will form a joint venture that develops and manufactures infrared thermal camera sensors.
The pair will make the formal announcement this week, TheElec has learned. Hanwha Systems will own the larger stake in the newly formed company.
Hanwha System is attempting to expand its urban air mobility (UAM) business. It currently uses Truwin’s thermal camera sensor for the air taxis.
Truwin was founded in 2006 and listed on KOSDAQ in 2014. It was founded by ex-Samsung SDI employee Nam Yong-hyun, who is currently the CEO.
It has manufactured automotive sensors such as those for accelerators and brake pedals.
It has been developing infrared thermal camera sensors as its new business. The sensors transfer infrared light signals into electric tones.
It has been an OEM for Hanwha’s intelligent thermal engine module since earlier this year.
Autonomous UAM has multiple times the number of infrared sensors compared to autonomous vehicles, a person familiar with the matter said.
Turwin also supplies stop lamp switch to Hyundai Motor Group, and could be providing its sensors to the car giant in the future, they added.
Hanwha Systems has been developing its first UAM model called Butterfly with US firm Overair since 2019.
It raised 1.2 trillion won through an equity offering in March to spend on the business.
It is aiming to start the manufacture of the air taxis in 2025.