[Edaily Reporter Choi Oh-hyun ] LG Innotek is partnering with TDK, a global Japanese electronics components company, to develop core sensing technologies for physical AI. The strategy is to accelerate its lead in the AI robotics market by jointly developing next-generation sensing solutions for robots that integrate information such as motion, touch, and sound, going beyond existing vision-centric sensing technologies.

LG Innotek announced on the 28th that it has entered into a strategic partnership with TDK in the field of physical AI. TDK is a global electronics components company with a wide range of sensor technologies, including inertial, positioning, pressure, and temperature sensors. In particular, it is recognized for possessing a broad sensor portfolio applicable to the physical AI field.

The two companies plan to combine LG Innotek’s optical and ultra-precision design capabilities with TDK’s sensor technology to jointly develop core components for robots, such as next-generation vision sensing modules and tactile sensing modules.

LG Innotek plans to first unveil a vision sensing module equipped with an inertial measurement unit (IMU) next year.

Accordingly, the two companies will first begin working on advancing the vision sensing modules. The plan is to develop next-generation vision sensing modules by integrating TDK’s inertial sensors, position sensors, and microphones into LG Innotek’s vision sensing modules, enabling them to process not only video but also motion, direction, and acoustic information.

While existing vision sensing modules focused on camera-based visual recognition, the key feature of the new module is its ability to integrate and analyze data from various sensors to improve the accuracy of a robot’s perception of its surroundings.

For example, integrating TDK’s inertial sensors into LG Innotek’s vision sensing modules will enable real-time correction of image distortion caused by vibrations during robot movement, leading to more stable object recognition. Robot manufacturers will also be able to reduce their development burden by receiving the modules in an integrated form, eliminating the need to purchase and connect multiple sensors individually.

The two companies have also agreed to jointly develop a tactile sensing module, with the goal of completing it by next year.

Tactile sensing modules are components mounted not only on a robot’s hands but also on its arms and torso to detect contact and pressure. They function similarly to human skin. As highly complex products requiring ultra-thin, ultra-precise, and flexible structures, they are considered core components of next-generation robots alongside vision sensing.

Under this partnership, LG Innotek will be responsible for module design and digital signal processing technology, while TDK will provide tactile sensing technology accumulated through the consumer goods and automotive industries to develop tactile sensing modules optimized for various robotic work environments.

The two companies plan to expand the scope of their collaboration to encompass the broader field of physical AI, including technologies for real-time analysis and processing of sensor data.

Noboru Saito, President and CEO of TDK, said, “We are pleased to join forces with LG Innotek, a world-class physical AI sensing company,” adding, “By combining TDK’s proprietary technologies and sensors with LG Innotek’s core technologies, we will introduce products that can revolutionize the market.”

Moon Hyuk-soo, President of LG Innotek, remarked, “Multi-sensing—which combines numerous sensors—will gain significant attention in the robotics field,” adding, “Through our collaboration with TDK, which possesses a wide range of sensors, we will lead the ecosystem for core robot components.” He also stated, “Going forward, we will collaborate with various companies to advance the core technologies applied to a robot’s eyes and hands and accelerate our efforts to secure a leading position in the physical AI market.”