South Korean researchers unveil a camera under 1 mm thick, inspired by insect eyes, enabling slimmer devices with a 140-degree field of view.
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South Korean researchers have unveiled a new ultra-thin camera technology that could reshape smartphone and device design. The development features a remarkably slim profile of less than 1 mm, making it significantly thinner than conventional camera modules.
Engineers from KAIST drew inspiration from the compound eyes of insects. The camera creates images using an array of miniature lenses, combining them into a single picture. This approach achieves a wide 140-degree field of view without the edge distortion common in standard wide-angle cameras.
Dubbed SOEMLA, the innovation stands out not only for its viewing angle but also for its compactness. The module protrudes just 0.94 mm above the circuit board, whereas standard solutions can be over 8 mm thick. This opens up new possibilities for slimmer smartphones and wearable electronics.
The developers note that the technology could extend beyond mobile devices to medical equipment like endoscopes. However, questions remain about low-light performance, high-resolution support, and production costs for mass-market applications.