LG demonstrates stretchable display

The Korean company's screen uses microLED display technology with the outstanding advantage of expanding the area by 50%. The mechanism of conversion from 12 inches to 18 inches is thanks to the use of plastic substrate material. The 40 μm microLED pixels are durable over 10,000 times of stretching and still maintain the pixel density of 100 ppi even in extreme temperature conditions or impacts such as falling.

One application of the new technology is to wrap around clothing. The company has collaborated with fashion designers to introduce a collection of everyday wear that incorporates screens that can be stretched, folded, and even twisted.

LG is targeting a variety of applications, such as automotive displays with floating touch buttons that can be pressed directly on the screen for a tactile experience while driving, or firefighter uniforms with panels that display essential information in real time.

Stretchable displays could also be used in wraparound devices that require a certain amount of elasticity, creating entirely new types of devices after foldable phones became popular. Stretchable displays were once funded by the Korean government and tasked with developing and producing prototypes with a minimum of 20% stretchability. LG’s new display goes beyond that with 50% stretchability, allowing it to stretch from 12 inches to 18 inches with just a pull.

Samsung is also involved in developing stretchable displays, having shown off a microLED prototype not long ago. The company is also said to be developing a fitness tracker with a stretchable display.