Fostering Innovative Talents through Partnership with University of Toronto’s Applied AI Program
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By News Reporter
Consortium’s Real-World Labs in Anchorage and Fairbanks
Aim to Optimize Heat Pump Performance in Tundra Conditions
ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Dec. 12, 2024 — The Consortium for Advanced Heat Pump Research, the groundbreaking partnership between LG and the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), has opened state-of-the-art, real-world-simulated labs to conduct comprehensive studies on cold-climate heat pump HVAC solutions.
LG and university researchers will conduct studies in two dedicated cold climate heat pump labs located in Anchorage and Fairbanks. These facilities are configured to replicate home environments, enabling a realistic and practical approach to heat pump research. The labs will utilize a variety of LG’s cutting-edge HVAC solutions, including both ducted and duct-free indoor and outdoor units, to assist in the research.
The work of the Consortium for Advanced Heat Pump Research exemplifies Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy’s focus on nurturing impactful technology initiatives built on strong public-private partnerships. “Together, researchers from the University of Alaska Anchorage and global innovator LG Electronics are advancing the state of the art in heat pump technology,” the governor said. “These advanced research labs show how new business and investment in Alaska can have a major impact on our nation and the world.”
“Heat pump technology is integral to HVAC-related decarbonization efforts, and the research conducted at these new labs will help to further drive progress,” said Chris Ahn, president of LG Eco Solutions USA. “This research into advancing progress in heat pump system technology supports the promotion of clean energy advances that are among the primary targets for IRA (Inflation Reduction Act) funding in most states, including those in colder climates.”
The Cold Climate Heat Pump Labs in Alaska will leverage LG’s cutting-edge heat pump technology to deliver region-specific comfort solutions designed to reduce dependence on fossil-fuel secondary heating sources. In fact, the Anchorage and Fairbanks labs are committed to further enhancing the capabilities of air-source heat pumps to be the primary source of heating in ambient temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit.
The LG Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump, which was just awarded the 2025 AHR Innovation Award in the Sustainable Solutions category, underscores the company’s ongoing research and development efforts for products under cold conditions.
“The research conducted between LG Electronics and UAA will provide ground-breaking insight into heat pump technology to create the best performing, most energy efficient solutions possible,” said University of Alaska Anchorage Chancellor Sean Parnell. “We’re proud to bring this cornerstone of our university to the HVAC market with LG.”
The between LG and UAA, launched a year ago, brings together LG experts, university researchers, local industry and government agencies to drive market transformation through research on heat pump technology and electrification. The new labs christened this week will showcase the breadth of LG’s HVAC product capabilities in heating and cooling, setting new benchmarks for energy efficiency.
The Alaska consortium is an integral component of LG’s extensive network of heat pump research partnerships across Korea, Europe and China. These collaborations collectively form the Global Consortium for Advanced Heat Pump Research, demonstrating LG’s dedication to broadening its research and development programs. LG’s strategic formation of the consortiums has resulted in a robust, global R&D infrastructure, and the wide-reaching approach equips LG with the capability to develop technologies that cater to the unique climatic and housing conditions regionally.
For more information about LG’s U.S. air conditioning business, visit
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By News Reporter
SEOUL, Dec. 10, 2024 — LG Electronics (LG) has announced a partnership with creative artist, multi-platinum musician, and tech entrepreneur, will.i.am, to launch a new line of audio products under the brand “
link hidden, please login to view.” The partnership aims to transform xboom into a culture-forward brand with an urban aesthetic, providing an all-new audio experience. In this partnership, LG has appointed will.i.am as LG xboom’s “Experiential Architect.” He will play a pivotal role in carving out a new space for xboom in the audio industry. Drawing inspiration from his pop culture and technological know-how, will.i.am will provide strategic counsel for LG xboom’s product development, design and brand marketing. By combining LG’s advanced technologies with will.i.am’s unique insights as a world-renowned music artist and tech entrepreneur, this partnership will infuse LG xboom products with fresh creative aspirations.
“Working with renowned tech and lifestyle innovator, LG, opens the door to groundbreaking and dynamic experiences that speak to a broader community of music enthusiasts,” said will.i.am. “By bringing our cutting-edge technology and distinctive creative visions together with LG xboom, we want to foster an iconic culture where people can explore their passion for music with others on a whole new level.”
The 2025 line of “xboom by will.i.am” products, including Bluetooth speakers and wireless earbuds will be unveiled at CES 2025. The xboom Buds will be the first product available in the market.
All “xboom by will.i.am” products bear the mark of will.i.am, who took part in creating LG xboom’s signature sound that boasts a rich bass with a balanced and warm tones. It comes in two distinct modes for listening: one mode provides stimulating sounds that gets you moving with powerful bass while a second mode offers a soothing sound with harmonious tones. The overarching design for LG xboom aims to elevate music enjoyment. Speakers incorporate clever embellishments such as easy-to-hold straps and colorfully interactive lighting that is in sync with the beat of the music being played. Earbuds are designed ergonomically with ear tips and ear hooks for a comfortable fit that also delivers the best sound experience.
“This launch marks the integration of our wireless earbuds and Bluetooth speakers into one audio brand, LG xboom,” said Lee Jeong-seok, head of LG Media Entertainment Solution Company’s audio business division. “We are thrilled to announce this partnership with will.i.am that will play a critical role in solidifying LG xboom’s new identity.”
All “xboom by will.i.am” products will be integrated with will.i.am’s RAiDiO.FYI, an AI-powered interactive audio experience, to introduce a new generation of listeners to infotainment. RAiDiO.FYI empowers listeners with unique abilities to immerse, personalize and have a two-way real-time conversation with their favorite topic-based STAiTiONS. This conversational media platform transforms radio as we know it into a new dimension, connecting consumers deeper with the music, talk radio and cultural content they love.
LG and will.i.am will celebrate this new partnership with product showcases and tech demonstrations at CES 2025 (January 7-10). To know more about “xboom by will.i.am”, please visit .
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By News Reporter
In this installment of On the Job, we explore LG’s IR Division and their efforts to communicate with key stakeholders, sharing progress updates and future plans to enhance the company’s value.
Effective investor relations (IR) are critical to a company’s success, fostering transparency by providing clear and accurate information to investors, analysts and other stakeholders. The role of IR professionals is evolving globally to encompass important corporate functions including sustainability. Rather than merely serving as liaisons between the organization and the financial community, IR teams are increasingly becoming strategic partners, playing a vital role in advancing Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives that go beyond traditional sustainability reporting.
As a company that has always prioritized transparent communications with customers or investors alike, LG has carefully constructed a highly skilled team of IR practitioners. In this installment of On the Job, we get an “up close” look at LG’s IR Division to learn about their tasks, the challenges they face and what motivates them to excel in their field.
The primary mission of an IR organization is to ensure fair business valuation, create an environment conducive to raising funds through capital markets and maintain a stable shareholder base.
“To achieve this, our Division handles a range of tasks, from responding to investors and overseeing corporate disclosures to announcing earnings and conducting business briefings and shareholder meetings,” said Park Won-jae, head of IR Division at LG Electronics.
IR activities can be broadly categorized into three main areas: enhancing capital market integrity by ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and laws in information sharing; communicating with investors about the company’s management status, strategies and vision through corporate presentations and conferences; and collaborating with related organizations, such as finance, to establish shareholder return policies like dividends or share buybacks to enhance shareholder value.
LG’s IR Division consists of the IR Planning Team and the IR Communications Team. The IR Communications Team focuses on managing interactions with Korean and international investors and handling activities that require a high level of external engagement. Meanwhile, the IR Planning Team oversees policy-related tasks, such as company information disclosures and shareholder meetings.
Given that each team handles different types of tasks with varying scopes of collaboration and expected outcomes, team members need to possess skills and expertise tailored to their specific responsibilities.
“Members of the IR Planning Team must possess a strong awareness of compliance and a thorough understanding of relevant systems and regulations,” stated Lee Seung-ju, head of the IR Planning Team. “In contrast, the IR Communications Team requires exceptional communication skills, as their role involves extensive interaction with both Korean and global investors.” Additionally, it is crucial for members of both teams to have a comprehensive understanding of capital markets, the industry landscape and the various segments of the company’s operations.
The daily routines of LG’s IR Division members are significantly influenced by the time of year. “Our work follows a distinct cycle that typically aligns with quarterly, semi-annual and annual financial reporting schedules,” explained Kim Seung-hyun, head of the IR Communication Team. “Key recurring tasks include annual events such as the general shareholder meeting, quarterly earnings announcements and Non-Deal Roadshows (NDRs).* As these dates approach, our focus shifts to organizing these events.”
For instance, quarterly earnings announcements are generally shared in late April, July, October and January. “In the roughly 20 days leading up to these announcements, we collaborate closely with various organizations across business units to shape the company’s message to the market,” explained Kim. “We carefully consider how this information might impact our stakeholders once it becomes public.”
The annual general shareholder meeting also demands significant attention, as the IR teams must adhere to strict legal procedures under Korea’s Commercial Act. “We typically begin preparations in the fourth quarter for a meeting scheduled for next March, where we will discuss the previous year’s financial results,” added Lee.
In contrast to these predictable, routine activities, the capital markets are constantly evolving, necessitating flexibility and precision in communications and shareholder policy. “Since we are influenced by external variables, our non-routine tasks often involve new or unfamiliar situations, making IR work highly dynamic,” said Kim.
Skilled, creative and highly dedicated, LG’s IR Division has garnered recognition for its stellar work and commitment to transparent communications. Recently, the Division was honored with the Financial Services Commission Chairman’s Award (Grand Prize) at the 2024 Korea IR Awards hosted by the Korea Investor Relations Service. This accolade is not their first; they received the Grand Prize in the Corporate category in 2021 and the IR Council Chairman’s Award (Excellence Award) last year. This recognition is particularly meaningful as corporate value enhancement has become a key focus in global capital markets. LG has been acknowledged by capital market authorities and experts from various fields for its ongoing efforts to communicate with the market in a structured and sincere manner.
LG’s IR Division has been actively incorporating Future Vision 2030, the company’s mid- to long-term strategic direction, into investor communications. With this far-reaching vision, LG aims to drive sustainable growth by transitioning to a future-oriented business model while building on the world-class competitiveness and expertise it has developed over decades in core businesses such as home appliances. The IR Division’s consistent and genuine commitment to enhancing both corporate and shareholder value has been widely praised.
Since the Future Vision 2030 announcement last July, the company has bolstered external communications around business performance and direction. At major IR events, such as the general shareholder meeting, corporate presentations for international investors and investor forums, top LG executives – including the CEO and CFO – have engaged directly with the market in an open, transparent manner. Starting this year, LG has elevated its regular earnings conference calls. Previously led by IR and business unit management executives, the calls are now directly managed by the CFO.
Additionally, early this year, LG announced a new three-year dividend policy to improve shareholder value, featuring an increased payout ratio, a minimum annual dividend and semi-annual dividend payouts. In August, LG led Korea’s top 10 conglomerates by pre-announcing a value-up program focused on enhancing enterprise value. Then, on October 22, LG unveiled its “Corporate Value Enhancement Plan,” integrating its Future Vision 2030 with additional shareholder initiatives, including a target return on equity (ROE) of 10 percent or higher by 2027. Future actions under consideration include canceling existing treasury shares, additional share buybacks and potentially adopting quarterly dividends.
“Through these steps, we’re consistently demonstrating a sincere and proactive commitment to both corporate and shareholder value enhancement,” explained Lee.
Corporate value isn’t just about the numbers on financial statements; it also includes intangibles like future growth potential, the company’s image and brand value. “We have the major responsibility of representing LG Electronics and communicating its true corporate value to the market,” noted Kim. “We strive to be a model IR organization – one that embodies professionalism, passion and authenticity.”
Stay tuned to
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* Non-Deal Roadshow (NDR) is an activity where a company’s management meets with investors, analysts and other stakeholders to provide insights into the company’s business strategy, financial performance and future outlook. Unlike a Deal Roadshow (DR), which is focused on promoting a specific securities offering or transaction, NDRs can be seen as an IR activity targeting existing shareholders.
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By News Reporter
Collaboration Spans On-Device AI, Future Mobility and More
SEOUL, Nov. 12, 2024 — LG Electronics (LG) and Tenstorrent are pleased to announce an expanded collaboration, building on their initial chiplet project to develop System-on-Chips (SoCs) and systems for the global market. Through this partnership, LG aims to enhance its design and development capabilities for AI chips tailored to its products and services, aligning with its vision of “Affectionate Intelligence.” LG is dedicated to advancing AI-driven innovation, with a focus on enhancing its AI-powered home appliances and smart home solutions, as well as expanding its capabilities in future mobility and commercial applications.
Recognizing the critical role of high-performance AI semiconductors in implementing AI technology, LG plans to strengthen its in-house development capabilities while collaborating with leading global companies, including Tenstorrent, to boost its AI competitiveness.
Tenstorrent is renowned for its ability to design world-class high-performance computing (HPC) semiconductors using its RISC-V* IP (Ascalon) and AI IP (Tensix). Their IP is engineered to scale from milliwatts to megawatts, delivering exceptional efficiency and performance.
Recently, LG CEO William Cho met with Tenstorrent CEO Jim Keller at the LG Twin Towers in Yeouido, Seoul, to discuss strategic collaboration. The meeting was attended by key executives from each company, including LG’s CTO Kim Byoung-hoon and the head of the SoC Center, as well as Tenstorrent’s CCO David Bennett and VP of Automotive.
During their discussions, the two companies explored opportunities to leverage their intellectual properties, design assets and technologies, aiming to create synergies across various business areas including AI home appliances, smart home solutions, future mobility, and video processing solutions for the data center market. Both CEOs emphasized the importance of enhancing capabilities in next-generation system semiconductors, including RISC-V and chiplets, to navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Additionally, Tenstorrent and LG are considering the establishment of a long-term internship program as part of their collaboration.
LG is committed to advancing its AI-related software and algorithm technologies to provide customers with products, platforms and services based on generative AI. This includes the development of AI chips to secure competitiveness in on-device AI technology.
“Tenstorrent is bringing the industry’s best AI and RISC-V technology to this collaboration,” said William Cho, CEO of LG Electronics. “We aim to deliver a new customer experience through our unique Affectionate Intelligence, focusing on personalized, caring and attentive solutions that better understand our customers and can provide tangible value.”
“LG has a strong SoC development organization and Tenstorrent is excited to continue to partner with them,” said Jim Keller, CEO of Tenstorrent. “Customers are looking for customizable solutions – our AI and RISC-V technology enables LG to own their silicon future.”
Meanwhile, LG has established a dedicated SoC R&D center specializing in system semiconductor design and development. The SoC Center excels in the design, development and verification of these chips, focusing on advancing high-performance SoCs using the chiplet technology. Chiplet technology integrates multiple chips into a single package and is gaining attention due to the rising demand for high-performance, low-power AI semiconductors.
The system chips used in LG’s key products have all been developed under the leadership of the SoC Center. LG’s proprietary AI chip for home appliances, “DQ-C,” and the “LG α (Alpha) 11 AI Processor” for OLED TVs have significantly strengthened the company’s leadership in the global AI appliance and premium TV markets.
As AI becomes increasingly pivotal in the industry, the importance of system chip design capabilities is growing across all business areas. LG is continuously enhancing its system semiconductor design capabilities and linking them with AI-related software and algorithm technologies to proactively prepare for the future. Ultimately, the goal is to provide Affectionate Intelligence solutions in all everyday spaces, offering a differentiated customer experience.
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* RISC-V is an open-source instruction set architecture (ISA) based on reduced instruction set computing (RISC) principles, allowing for flexible and customizable processor designs.
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By News Reporter
Simplifying Complex Driving With Intuitive Navigation Guidance
SEOUL, Nov. 6, 2024 — LG Electronics (LG) has been awarded the prestigious “King Sejong Award” at the 2024 Technology Patent Awards for its pioneering augmented reality (AR) technology designed for vehicles. This annual event, organized by the Korean Intellectual Property Office, recognizes patents registered within the past decade that contribute to enhancing South Korea’s industrial competitiveness.
The patent for LG’s advanced vehicle AR technology was submitted both domestically and internationally in 2022. This innovative system aims to improve the future mobility experience by leveraging AR to visualize various driving scenarios. It generates 3D graphics that provide vehicle information and navigation guidance on in-vehicle displays.
Driving can often be confusing, especially on complex roads or unfamiliar routes, where estimating distances or directions becomes challenging. LG’s in-vehicle AR technology alleviates this confusion by providing clear guidance lines that drivers can easily follow. The system employs sophisticated algorithms to integrate data from various vehicle sensors, including smart cameras, navigation systems and driver assistance sensors, along with external data sources. By harnessing information from GPS, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technologies, the system can predict potential hazards and accident risks based on the vehicle’s location and surrounding environment, thereby enhancing safety during journeys.
A key feature of LG’s patented technology is its ability to display dynamic AR images. This capability makes route guidance more intuitive by adjusting the symbols representing the vehicle and directional guidance – such as combining a spade and chevron into an arrow shape or separating them – based on real-time driving conditions. The AR graphics can seamlessly separate, transform and merge, allowing the system to visually convey complex driving information, such as speed, incline, lane changes and route recalculations, in a manner that can be easily understood by the driver.
LG plans to leverage this advanced vehicle AR technology to develop future mobility solutions for global automakers and accelerate the development of new mobility software. The company also aims to generate royalty-based revenue from the patent.
“LG is excited to utilize its award-winning AR technology to create mobility solutions that elevate driver convenience and contribute to safer roads for everyone,” said Kim Dong-wook, head of the B2B Advanced Technology Center at LG Electronics. “Moving forward, we will continue to refine our AR technology to ensure compatibility across all vehicle platforms. We anticipate that this exciting innovation will significantly contribute to the growth of our software business.”
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