Investigation by the Korean manufacturer concludes the battery was the cause of the Note7 incidents
Samsung has admitted faulty batteries caused the Note7 to catch on fire, forcing the manufacturer to permanently end production of the smartphone last October.
Details around the cause of the incidents and measures to prevent a recurrence were revealed during a press conference held in Seoul, Korea, earlier today.
Samsung president of Mobile Communications Business DJ Koh announced the findings, which saw the manufacturer test 30,000 batteries and 200,000 assembled devices, putting the task to 700 researchers and engineers.
The manufacturer also added independent investigations from UL, Exponent and TUV Rheinland. All three firms concluded the batteries caused the Note7 incidents.
Samsung has implemented a “broad range” of internal quality and safety processes to further enhance product safety, such as a multi-layer safety measures protocol at the planning stage, and an eight-point battery safety check.
It has also formed a ‘Battery Advisory Group’ of external advisers, academic and research experts in a move it claimed will ensure it maintains a “clear and objective perspective on battery safety and innovation”.
Taking responsibility
Samsung said in a statement: “Our investigation, as well as the the investigations completed by three independent industry organisations, concluded that the batteries were found to be the cause of the Note 7 incidents.
“Nonetheless, we provided the target for the battery specifications for the innovative Note7, and we are taking responsibility for our failure to ultimately identify and verify the issues arising out of battery design and manufacturing process prior to the launch of the Note7.”
Incidents of the Note7 catching fire was reported all around the world. Airlines have banned passengers from carrying the device onboard due to fear of safety. Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Singapore Airlines, Air Berlin and Lufthansa are amongst those who had imposed the restrictions.
The firm said it has recovered 96 per cent of the 3.06 million Note7 devices sold.
