In a breakthrough for display technology, LG Display recently revealed the world’s first stretchable display, capable of expanding by 50%. This innovation, introduced at LG Science Park in Seoul, represents a significant leap forward in the development of flexible screens, with potential applications across fashion, mobility, and beyond.
Flexible Display Tech Gets a Major Upgrade
Stretchable displays have long been considered the ultimate free-form technology because of their unique ability to be reshaped in multiple ways—stretched, twisted, and even folded. LG Display’s latest prototype achieves a remarkable 50% elongation, allowing a 12-inch screen to expand to 18 inches without compromising on display quality. It delivers high resolution at 100 pixels per inch (ppi) with a full red, green, and blue (RGB) color spectrum, creating a sharp and vibrant visual experience.
This new stretchable display far surpasses LG’s previous model from 2022, which achieved only a 20% elongation rate. By doubling this capacity, LG has made the display much more adaptable to unconventional applications, enhancing the technology’s commercial viability.
Behind the Science: Enhanced Stretchability and Durability
To achieve this level of flexibility, LG Display utilized a silicon substrate similar to that used in contact lenses, making the screen not only stretchable but also incredibly resilient. The prototype uses a micro-LED light source with elements as small as 40 micrometers, enhancing durability and allowing the display to endure over 10,000 stretches without image degradation. This means the screen can maintain clear and consistent visuals even in extreme conditions, such as low or high temperatures or repeated physical stress.
Additionally, LG developed a specialized wiring structure that improves stretchability and maintains stability during expansion. These structural advances mark a considerable improvement over previous flexible displays, which were limited in their ability to repeatedly handle stress without affecting screen quality. LG’s advancements are expected to contribute significantly to the future of screen technology, supporting the development of displays that are as resilient as they are versatile.
Real-World Applications: From Wearables to Automotive Interfaces
Stretchable displays open up a world of possibilities for various industries, offering a truly adaptable screen for unique environments. For example, LG showcased a concept for an automotive panel that can expand into a convex shape, providing a new way for drivers and passengers to interact with dashboard displays. This innovation could lead to customizable displays that adjust to users’ needs or preferences, improving both functionality and aesthetics in vehicle interiors.
In addition to automotive applications, stretchable displays hold promise for wearable technology. LG presented a prototype wearable display that could be attached to firefighters’ uniforms, delivering real-time information directly on their clothing. Such displays could enable firefighters and other emergency responders to access critical updates hands-free, potentially enhancing their safety and efficiency on the job. The ultra-flexible, lightweight nature of these screens also makes them suitable for wearable consumer devices that could seamlessly integrate with the fabric of clothing or even adhere to the skin.
A Collaborative Effort for Next-Generation Display Technology
LG’s stretchable display project has been part of a national initiative led by South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, in collaboration with the Korea Planning & Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology. Since being selected as the project’s lead in 2020, LG Display has worked with 19 domestic research institutes and industry partners to develop core technologies for next-generation displays. This collaboration reflects South Korea’s ambition to localize critical components and build a robust R&D infrastructure to compete in the global tech landscape.
As this stretchable display technology advances, LG Display’s efforts contribute to creating a sustainable and competitive display ecosystem, showcasing how partnerships between industry, academia, and research institutions can drive innovation.
Conclusion
The world’s first stretchable display by LG marks a milestone in flexible screen technology, setting the stage for widespread applications in various fields. With its combination of durability, adaptability, and high visual quality, this display technology has the potential to revolutionize industries ranging from automotive to wearable tech. LG Display has yet to announce a specific timeline for commercial release or pricing, but this breakthrough suggests an exciting future for flexible, free-form displays.
