Taiwan’s AUO is partnering with British tech company SmartKem to develop what they’re calling the world’s first rollable, transparent microLED display.
The collaboration, set to kick off on January 1, 2025, aims to tackle one of the biggest hurdles in MicroLED technology: the sky-high production costs that currently keep these displays out of reach for most consumers. Today’s MicroLED TVs come with eye-watering price tags around $100,000.
SmartKem’s secret sauce is their organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) that can be processed at lower temperatures than traditional methods. This means they can be applied directly onto MicroLEDs and use plastic instead of glass, potentially slashing manufacturing costs.
“Because our transistors are processed at such a low temperature compared to other technologies, we are able to pour them directly on top of the microLEDs, completely eliminating the problematic mass transfer and laser welding processes required with other technologies.” Explains SmartKem CEO Ian Jenks.
The collaboration is being supported by both the UK and Taiwanese governments through a 2024 bilateral research and development initiative, which has invested over £10 million ($12.5 million) in various tech projects this year.
MicroLED technology offers several advantages over current display options, including better brightness, improved efficiency, and longer lifespan. If SmartKem and AUO’s gamble pays off, it could help bring these premium displays into the mainstream market.
The work will take place on ITRI’s Gen 2.5 assembly line, though no timeline has been given for when consumers might see the first products hit the market.
