[THE INVESTOR] Israeli startup Mantis Vision is reportedly working on developing 3-D sensing camera solutions for Samsung Electronics ’ next-generation Galaxy S smartphones, tentatively called the Galaxy S10, according to news reports on March 15.



Korean news outlet The Bell reported that the Israeli startup is collaborating with camera module firm Namuga to integrate the 3-D sensing software in a camera module. The companies weren’t available for confirmation.











Namuga is a camera module supplier for Samsung’s mid-range and low-end smartphone series, including the Galaxy A and J. It also provides 3-D sensing camera modules for Intel’s RealSense AR cameras.



A 3-D sensing camera, which can convert regular images, is increasingly being incorporated in virtual reality, augmented reality, drone and autonomous driving technologies. Since Apple adopted the facial recognition-enabled 3-D camera for its iPhone X last year, other smartphone makers are expected to follow suit.



Established in 2005, Mantis Vision attracted a combined US$10 million from Samsung and electronics design firm Flextronics in 2014. The company’s 3-D mapping technology was used in Google’s now-defunct AR platform for smartphones Project Tango.



Although specifications of the next-generation Galaxy lineup are still up in the air, industry sources expect Samsung to adopt the high-profile 3-D sensing tech since the new phone will be launched next year, which is when the tech giant celebrates the 10th anniversary of its flagship smartphone series.



Samsung Electro-Mechanics, a camera module firm and a main supplier for Samsung Electronics, has previously said that it would make the 3-D sensing technology ready for commercialization in the first half of this year.



“The company is closely working with 3-D sensing solution developers for new growth opportunities,” the electronic parts maker said in January.



By Kim Young-won (wone0102@heraldcorp.com)