Panasonic claims to have pioneered the "world's first integrated-frame lens", a new type of lens suitable for demanding and potentially crucial use-cases such as the far-infrared sensing needed for effective person- or object-avoidance of the autonomous vehicles touted to take over in the future. Furthermore, this new advancement might boost the integrity of these lenses while reducing the cost of making them.
https://www.notebookcheck.net/Panasonic-claims-a-breakthrough-in-lens-technology-for-the-autonomous-driving-grade-cameras-of-the-future.596904.0.html