2022 is not yet over but Sharp Corporation is already all geared up for its participation at next year’s Consumer Electronics Show, more popularly known as CES 2023! CES is probably the most sought-after annual tech event as they bring together innovations from all over the world. Think hoverboards and drones before they became mass-produced! This coming January, Sharp will also be joining in the fun with their ESG-focused products under the New Energy, Automotive, AR/VR, and TV themes.

In case you’ll be dropping by the Petrus Ballroom of Wynn Las Vegas Hotel at Las Vegas, Nevada from January 5-8, 2023 (10 AM – 5PM, US time) or you’re just curious about what Sharp is set to showcase, here’s a quick overview on what’s going to happen according to our friends from Sharp:

1. Introduction of New Energy technologies that contribute to carbon neutrality

For the first time ever, Sharp will be showcasing the LC-LH (Liquid and Crystal Light Harvesting) technology outside Japan. It’s an indoor photovoltaic device developed by integrating dye-sensitized solar cells and the company’s long-cultivated LCD technology. Sharp will also exhibit perovskite solar cells, which are poised to be a next generation solar cell.

2. Advanced automotive devices that support safe and environmentally conscious driving

Sharp’s Passenger Information Display will also be part of the show, along with a prototype of their Driver Monitoring System and compound photovoltaic module which was said to have the world’s highest conversion efficiency.

3. Devices and head-mounted displays (HMD) for AR/VR

Another first for the brand: They’re set to introduce their ultra-lightweight HMD prototype for VR equipped with an ultra-high-resolution display, ultra-high-speed autofocus camera, and ultra-compact proximity sensor. Sharp will also show off their thinnest ultra-compact camera module — a distance sensor that helps HMD wearers avoid collisions with people and objects, and other AR/VR related devices that provide users with a realistic sense of being immersed in videos safely and comfortably.

4. Flagship AQUOS XLED TV model for the global market

Visitors can expect to see the AQUOS XLED TV model in the flesh and see for the first time ever, a prototype of one of the world’s largest 120-inch model!

SHARP PRODUCTS AT CES 2023 IN A SNAPSHOT

Booth Area	Exhibits
New Energy	・LC-LH Indoor Photovoltaic Device [exhibited for the first time outside of Japan] By combining dye-sensitized solar cells, which can convert indoor light into electricity with high efficiency, and Sharp’s LCD technology, this device achieves power generating efficiency approximately double that of typical solar cells used in clocks and calculators. Applicable not only to a variety of small appliances, it will also help reduce environmental impacts by replacing disposable batteries. ・Perovskite Solar Cell [prototype] Thin, lightweight, and flexible next-generation solar cells with high power generation efficiency that can be manufactured at low cost with low energy consumption. It makes installation possible in places that were previously difficult due to problems such as load capacity and configuration.
Automotive	・Passenger Seat Monitor Using Viewing Angle Control Display (Passenger Information Display) [exhibited for the first time outside of Japan] Proprietary backlight technology controls the viewing angle of the display so that the image on the passenger seat monitor cannot be seen from the driver’s seat while driving, helping to ensure safe and comfortable driving. ・Driver Monitoring System [prototype; exhibited for the first time] A camera module integrated into the dashboard display detects the driver’s line of sight, head position and orientation, and eye blink pattern to assess driver status. Drowsiness can also be detected. ・Click Display [exhibited for the first time outside of Japan] A newly developed display that combines a highly sensitive pressure sensor and haptics technology*. Arrow keys, volume control buttons, and the like can be formed with convex or concave shapes. Smooth touch operation similar to smartphones, plus operability with a click feeling like physical keys can be achieved on the same display. Supports smooth and easy operation of car navigation systems, air conditioners, audio systems, and the like. *Technology that enables tactile feedback to be obtained through vibrations and other motions. ・Automotive Solar Cells [exhibited for the first time outside of Japan] In addition to lightweight and flexible compound solar cells of a practical size that have achieved the world’s highest conversion efficiency of 32.65%*6, Sharp will introduce silicon-based solar cell modules for automobiles. Proposed applications include the aerospace and aviation fields, such as artificial satellites, which require high efficiency and light weight, and vehicles such as EVs.
AR/VR	・Head-Mounted Display (HMD) [prototype; exhibited for the first time] Sharp will exhibit advanced devices such as an ultra-high-resolution display, an ultra-high-speed autofocus camera module (using a polymer lens), and an ultra-lightweight HMD prototype for VR equipped with an ultra-compact proximity sensor. ・World’s Thinnest Ultra-Compact Camera Module [exhibited for the first time] The world’s thinnest ultra-compact camera module with a height of less than 2mm that can be used for sensing applications such as eye tracking. ・Compact ToF Distance Sensor Installing this sensor on an HMD unit or controller will help the HMD wearer avoid collisions with people and objects.
TV	・AQUOS XLED Model for the Global Market [exhibited for the first time] This TV employs mini LED backlight and quantum-dot rich-color display technology and features an audio system with speakers placed above and below the screen to combine dynamic images with excellent light and dark expression with an immersive sound field. This is a new-generation TV that provides viewers with a vividly realistic sense of actually being in the middle of the action. ・120-Inch AQUOS XLED [prototype; exhibited for the first time] This model features a 120-inch XLED screen, one of the world’s largest. Taking advantage of its large screen and high contrast, it can be used not only for digital signage and public viewing displays in commercial facilities, but also for home theaters. (Receiver tuner not installed)

For more details about the event, you can visit the official CES 2023 website through this link.

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