With the development of new panel technologies, smart displays are finding more and more applications in fields as far-ranging as retail and surgery. The Industrial Technology Research Institute is showcasing some of its latest smart display technologies now under commercial development by top industry players. One is an interactive display that lets users control an elevator without touching its buttons. Another is a see-through panel that can be used to assist doctors in brain surgery.

Through this transparent screen, a brain surgeon can see the operating field while viewing graphical annotations on the display. Besides its uses in the medical field, smart display technology also has everyday applications, like these contactless elevator buttons that turn science fiction films into a reality.

Chiou Chyou-huey
MOEA Department of Industrial Technology
We’ve rounded up many technical projects with excellent commercial potential for today’s exhibition. Our view is that in the future, the display panel industry should develop some new applications with higher added value.

The MOEA has teamed up with ITRI to drive innovation in smart displays, working with Taiwan Display Union Association, Innolux, Darwin Precisions, and other industry players. So far, ITRI’s tech transfers are valued at up to NT$300 million, with potential applications in fields like smart health care, disease prevention, and innovative manufacturing.

Wu Chih-i
ITRI optoelectronics department
We’ve undergone an industry transformation with panel manufacturers, by combining Taiwan’s two strongest industries—semiconductors and panels— to forge a new path for semiconductor packaging.

Whether it’s in high-precision surgery, shopping, or even in cars as augmented reality windshields, smart display technologies have immense potential to improve lives, and to make Taiwan’s panel industry more competitive.