Insider Brief<\/p>\n
LG Innotek and TDK are partnering to develop sensing modules for physical AI systems, including robot vision and tactile sensing.<\/p>\n
The companies said the work will combine LG Innotek\u2019s optical and precision module-design capabilities with TDK\u2019s sensor technologies, with a vision module using an inertial sensor planned for 2027.<\/p>\n
LG Innotek said the partnership will also focus on tactile sensing, real-time processing and sensor-data analysis as robot makers look to combine more sensing functions into single systems.<\/p>\n
LG Innotek<\/a> and TDK<\/a> are teaming up to develop sensing modules for physical AI<\/a> systems, including robot vision and touch.<\/p>\n The companies plan to combine LG Innotek\u2019s optical and precision module-design capabilities with TDK\u2019s sensor technologies. The work is expected to focus on next-generation vision sensing modules and tactile sensing modules for robots, according to the companies<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cBy combining TDK\u2019s diverse fundamental technologies and sensors with LG Innotek\u2019s core capabilities, we will add value for customers and bring truly revolutionary products to the global market,\u201d TDK president and CEO Noboru Saito said in the announcement.<\/p>\n LG Innotek said the partnership is aimed at building integrated sensing systems that can combine several types of data in one module, reducing the need for robot makers to buy and connect separate sensors.<\/p>\n \u201cIn the robotics industry, multi-sensing \u2014 the integration of numerous sensors into a single system \u2014 is expected to become increasingly important,\u201d LG Innotek CEO Moon Hyuksoo noted. \u201cThrough our collaboration with TDK, which offers a broad portfolio of sensor technologies, we aim to help shape the ecosystem for core robotic components.\u201d<\/p>\n The first planned product is a vision sensing module and LG Innotek said it expects to launch a module with an inertial sensor in 2027.<\/p>\n Vision Module<\/p>\n The planned next-generation vision module is designed to improve robot perception by combining image data with information about movement, position and sound. LG Innotek said that approach would give robots more context than image sensors alone.<\/p>\n One planned version will integrate TDK\u2019s inertial measurement unit, or IMU, into the vision module. The companies expect that setup to help compensate for motion blur, stabilize images and reduce blind spots through high-frequency tracking and dead reckoning.<\/p>\n Tactile Sensing<\/p>\n The companies also plan to develop a tactile sensing module by 2027. The module would function like robot skin, allowing robots to detect contact and pressure when their hands, arms or bodies touch objects. LG Innotek said it will contribute module design and digital signal-processing capabilities, while TDK will provide sensor technology from its consumer, automotive and industrial work.<\/p>\n The companies also plan to expand cooperation into real-time processing and sensor-data analysis.<\/p>\n