Osram, after divesting from the Roundmans business, is now fully committed to high-tech innovation. With the successful operation of its Kulim LED chip factory in Malaysia, the company has taken a major step forward in its transformation toward advanced technology. Olaf Berlien, Chairman and CEO of OSRAM Group, highlighted this shift: “Ten years ago, traditional lighting made up 80% of our business. Today, two-thirds of our sales come from optoelectronics-based products.â€
This strategic pivot into high-tech sectors has already delivered impressive results. According to Osram’s fiscal year 2017 report, revenue surpassed 4 billion euros—an 8% increase compared to the previous year. This growth was driven by strong demand for optoelectronic semiconductor products. Operating profit also rose significantly, reaching 695 million euros, with a profit margin of 16.8%.
Looking ahead, Osram plans to focus on several key areas, including automotive lighting, driver assistance systems, and autonomous driving technologies. The company is also expanding into health monitoring solutions for wearable devices, smart street and building lighting, entertainment lighting, and specialized lighting applications like plant lighting. Additionally, digital communication solutions such as indoor positioning are part of their future roadmap.
At the inauguration of the Kulim factory, Osram showcased a wide range of innovative applications, including infrared technology, autonomous driving systems, laser radar, wearable devices, and plant lighting. Among these, intelligent car lighting has become a core focus for the company. According to Osram officials, their laser illumination system enhances road safety by increasing brightness and extending the reach of headlights beyond twice the distance of conventional systems, improving visibility and clarity for drivers.
Infrared laser devices are a critical component of Osram’s automotive lighting systems. These components are essential for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and are used in features like iris scanning, which allows for secure device unlocking. Osram is a key supplier of sensors for smartphones like Samsung, and its health monitoring technology is widely used in smartwatches and fitness bands to track vital signs such as heart rate and blood oxygen levels.
In the field of autonomous driving, Osram’s infrared devices play a crucial role in detecting obstacles, monitoring weather conditions, and identifying blind spots. To strengthen its position, Osram acquired a 25.1% stake in LeddarTech, a Canadian laser radar company. Stefan Kampmann, Chief Technology Officer, emphasized that Osram is the world’s leading supplier of sensor lights for self-driving vehicles, and this investment is a key step in becoming a top solution provider in the industry.
The success of these innovations is built on the foundation of LED components. In November 2015, Osram announced the construction of a new LED chip factory in Kulim, Malaysia, as part of its "Diamond" innovation and growth plan. By the end of 2017, the factory was fully operational, contributing to a 19% growth in the LED business. Olaf Berlien praised the timely completion and expressed confidence in further expanding production capacity.
The Kulim factory is expected to undergo two stages of expansion, with a total investment of 1 billion euros. It will not only enhance global LED assembly capabilities but also support high-end applications like automotive lighting and video projection. The facility is designed with sustainability in mind, located near green spaces, and uses cutting-edge 6-inch wafer technology, which increases production efficiency by 125% per wafer compared to older 4-inch systems.
In addition to the Kulim plant, Osram is expanding its global manufacturing network. This includes upgrading its Regensburg plant in Germany, where it produces advanced LED chips and laser diodes for automotive headlights and infrared sensors. Other facilities in Schwabming, Germany; Exeter, U.S.; Wuxi, China; and Penang, Malaysia, are also being expanded to meet growing demand.
As the global optoelectronics market continues to grow, Osram remains at the forefront of innovation, leveraging its state-of-the-art facilities and strategic investments to drive the future of lighting and sensing technologies.
Introducing the reliable and efficient LiFePO4 Cell, with a nominal voltage of 3.2V, perfect for powering your devices and equipment with ease. These cells are designed with advanced technology, ensuring a stable and consistent power supply to your devices. The Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) chemistry used in these cells makes it the perfect choice for high-performance applications. These cells have excellent discharge characteristics and a long life cycle, making them a cost-effective and eco-friendly option.
Lifepo4 Cell,Lifepo4 Battery,Lithium Iron Battery,Cylindrical Lifepo4 Battery
JIANGMEN RONDA LITHIUM BATTERY CO., LTD. , https://www.ronda-battery.com