Samsung Group on Monday unveiled 10 new research and development projects on smart sensor materials and system software it would support as part of its efforts to nurture the nation’s future growth-engine technologies.

Samsung launched the R&D support program in 2013 with a total budget of 1.5 trillion won ($1.3 billion) for the next 10 years. Thus far some 160 projects have been selected for support.

While the program focuses on three key areas -- basic science, materials and information and communications technology -- Samsung has picked separate themes for additional support.

Following last year’s energy storage and Internet of Things security, this year’s program has selected smart home sensor materials and system software for new themes.

Among them is a 3-D nanocrystal touch sensor that reacts to pressure from diverse dimensions compared to the existing optical sensor that is more sensitive to vertical pressure.

The sensor technology is expected to be used widely in mobile devices, home security and equipment for disabled people, Samsung said.

“In the era of the Internet of Things, sensors play a key role in collecting and creating information. We sought to select creative and challenging projects in the field,” said Kim Sung-keun, a professor at Seoul National University, who led the evaluation committee. 

By Lee Ji-yoon (jylee@heraldcorp.com)