| Next-generation battery company BEILab signs MOU
SENSORVIEW has signed a strategic business agreement with next-generation battery
development company BEILab for cooperation in the defense industry, including drones,
unmanned aerial vehicles, and satellites. (Photo provided by SENSORVIEW)
SENSORVIEW, a specialized company in next-generation mobile communication, semiconductor measurement, and defense industry cables, connectors, and antennas, led by CEO Byungnam Kim, announced on the 7th that it has signed a strategic business agreement with BEILab, a next-generation battery development company led by CEO Changdeok Bae, to collaborate in the defense industry, including drones, unmanned aerial vehicles, and satellites.
SENSORVIEW holds patented technology for integrated propeller antennas to enhance the technology of drones and unmanned aerial vehicles. Especially, it has secured lightweight material technology for unmanned aerial vehicles and aircraft, enabling world-class low-loss performance. Recently, it has succeeded in domesticating small-sized micro composite connectors for data and power signal supply, accelerating synergy by providing comprehensive platforms that can handle RF signal connection components to power supply solutions.
The integrated propeller antennas held by SENSORVIEW enable the miniaturization and weight reduction of drones. It maximizes communication performance through improved omnidirectional and directional characteristics of antennas and has the advantage of shaping beam patterns with multiple antennas. Moreover, the lightweight cable technology using nano fibers coated instead of using common thick metal wire braiding for electromagnetic noise shielding maximizes electromagnetic interference shielding. It boasts strong electrical performance against electromagnetic attacks on drones and unmanned aerial vehicles, while also enabling approximately 22% weight reduction compared to existing products.
Through this strategic business agreement with BEILab, which possesses advanced battery technology, SENSORVIEW has established a foundation for providing an integrated platform from communication components to compact battery power, receiving battery solutions with more than double the power efficiency.
An official from the company stated, 'When our communication antennas, cables, and connectors are installed, the mobility of mobile platforms is improved, and their endurance performance is also enhanced,' adding, 'By integrating such core components into drones and unmanned aerial vehicles, there are advantages in operating high-performance mobile jammer systems capable of responding to recent issues such as North Korea's unmanned aerial vehicles.' The official continued, 'In particular, for drones with various weapon systems currently mounted, while the general operating time is up to a maximum of one hour, applying this solution extends the operating time to more than twice as long,' and 'Additionally, it has the advantage of enabling high-speed movement and communication without signal blind spots even in rapid mobile environments.'
BEILab is the only venture company in Korea that develops and produces lithium metal batteries (LMB). It possesses innovative solutions that overcome the problems and limitations of existing lithium-ion batteries. The technology possessed by BEILab is expected to contribute to enhancing the performance of drones and unmanned aerial vehicles by solving technical issues such as slow charging speed, low energy density, performance degradation at low temperatures, and lack of safety in existing lithium-ion batteries.
BEILab LMB uses ultra-thin metal lithium as the negative electrode and utilizes the same material-based positive electrode as lithium-ion batteries. It has been reported that BIIALab has conducted demonstrations that greatly increase the energy density and improve the lifespan and performance of batteries by stabilizing the interface between lithium surfaces, positive electrodes, and electrolytes through its innovative and special coating technology compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries.
Furthermore, by applying technology to prevent non-combustible electrolytes and internal shorts to LMB, BEILab has passed penetration safety tests. BEILab is also accelerating the development of all-solid-state LMB commercialization by applying its coating technology to solid-state electrolytes to enhance processability and high-voltage stability, garnering expectations for its contribution to the commercialization of next-generation all-solid-state LMB.
Such technological capabilities of BEILab have already received high evaluations both domestically and internationally. Based on this, it attracted 15 billion won in Series A investment last year. Among the investors is POSCO, recognized as a core company in the secondary battery value chain. Changdeok Bae, CEO of BEILab, stated, 'We are accelerating the commercialization of lithium metal batteries by completing a pilot factory in Gyeonggi Ansan last October,' and 'Through LMB specialized for Korean military drones, we will not only stir up the military drone market but also pioneer the global next-generation battery market.'
Through cooperation with BEILab, SENSORVIEW is preparing to evolve from the existing core component technology field for communication into the system solution field. Plans are underway to commercialize defense, aerospace, and aviation fields.
Byungnam Kim, CEO of SENSORVIEW, said, 'We expect synergies to be created through the business agreement with BEILab,' adding, 'We have secured a more advanced and comprehensive solution by combining our existing next-generation communication material and component technology with BEILab's high-capacity power technology, allowing us to provide a higher level of sophistication and comprehensive solutions in various defense projects. Byungnam Kim, CEO of SENSORVIEW, said, 'We expect synergies to be created through the business agreement with BEILab,' adding, 'We have secured a more advanced and comprehensive solution by combining our existing next-generation communication material and component technology with BEILab's high-capacity power technology, allowing us to provide a higher level of sophistication and comprehensive solutions in various defense projects.'
mk news Reporter Yeonho Yang [yeonho8902@mk.co.kr] 2024-03-07