Samsung is reportedly developing a new type of camera sensor with a built-in artificial intelligence (AI) chip, with a long-term goal of creating sensors that can mimic human senses.
Business Korea reports that Samsung refers to these revolutionary sensors as “Humanoid Sensors.”
Though specifics are still under wraps, the potential of these sensors is vast. The human eye has a resolution of about 500 to 600 megapixels, suggesting that Samsung aims to reach or even exceed this level of detail. With these advancements, Samsung’s devices could dramatically enhance how they capture and interpret visual data, leading to more realistic and detailed images.
According to Business Korea, Samsung plans to start using this technology in its devices as early as 2027.
Samsung Continues Its Streak of Camera Innovation
Last year, Samsung introduced a 200-megapixel ISOCELL camera sensor equipped with “ZOOM Anyplace” technology. This feature, as explained by the company, leverages AI to enable concurrent 4K recording of both the full frame and zoomed-in sections, demonstrating the capabilities of AI in enhancing imaging technology.
At the 2023 Tech Summit, South Korean chip manufacturer SK Hynix also showcased a camera sensor that includes an integrated AI processing chip.
This new technology combines an AI chip with an image sensor, allowing it to process data right on the sensor. Traditional sensors send data to the CPU (Central Processing Unit) for processing. This new approach could be important for the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart homes, as it uses less power and processes data faster.
SK Hynix is experimenting with an AI accelerator inside the image sensor. They are currently testing it for recognizing faces and objects, using a new technology called Computing In Memory (CIM) accelerator. This technology can do calculations needed for AI.
Ultimately, the goal for both companies is to snatch up more of the image sensor market share.
In 2022, according to a market report published by Yole Group, Sony was by far the giant in the image sensor market, holding 42% of the market. Meanwhile, Samsung made up 19% and SKY Hynix made up 5%.
Samsung’s Innovative Journey: Pioneering Advanced AI and Sensor Technologies
Samsung’s journey from a small store to a major global tech company is a story of continuous innovation and overcoming challenges. The company offers a wide range of products, including smartphones, tablets, wearables, home appliances, memory chips, and even medical equipment. Despite facing issues like the costly recall of the Galaxy Note 7, Samsung has stayed a strong player and innovator in the tech world.
Investors have kept their faith in Samsung, even with some ups and downs in profits and stock values. As of August 2023, Samsung’s market value was an impressive 445.87 trillion Korean Won, or about $336.8 billion. This highlights its important role not just in South Korea’s economy but also worldwide.
Samsung has made significant strides in the smartphone market. It was the first to introduce a smartphone with a dual-pixel camera and has been a leader in the foldable smartphone trend with its Galaxy Fold series. The company is constantly exploring new technologies, focusing on 5G, AI, and the IoT, showing its commitment to being at the forefront of tech innovation.