LG Innotek Joins Forces with TDK to Develop Physical AI Robot Tactile and Vision Sensors

Aiming for Commercialization of Vision and Tactile Sensing Modules by 2027
Expanding Sensing Capabilities for Robots from Vision to Touch

LG Innotek has formed a strategic partnership in the field of Physical AI with global electronic components company TDK to jointly develop next-generation sensing solutions that encompass both vision and tactile perception for robots.

On July 28, LG Innotek announced that it would conduct advanced research on a “next-generation vision sensing module” combining its own optical and ultra-precision design technologies with TDK's inertial measurement unit (IMU), position sensors, and microphones. This module is an integrated component that processes not only visual information but also movement, direction, and acoustic data, enabling stabilization of robotic video images and maximizing recognition performance. The company aims to commercialize the module by 2027.

Minjon, CTO of LG Innotek (right), and Shuichi Hashiyama, CTO of TDK, are posing for a commemorative photo at the LG Innotek headquarters in Magok, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, during the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Physical AI Solution Development Cooperation. LG Innotek

Headquartered in Japan, TDK is a global top-tier company in the electronic components sector. The company has actively fostered its sensor business for over 20 years and possesses a broad portfolio of sensors applicable to Physical AI, including inertial, position, pressure, and temperature sensors.

The two companies will also jointly develop a “tactile sensing module” that acts as the skin of a robot, with completion targeted for 2027. The tactile sensing module is a high-value-added component designed to be installed in robot hands, arms, and torso, enabling detection of contact and pressure. LG Innotek plans to present a module optimized for work environments by combining its modularization and digital signal processing technologies with TDK's high-precision tactile sensing technology.

The companies plan to expand their collaboration into various Physical AI domains, including real-time analysis and processing of sensor-collected data.

TDK President and CEO Noboru Saito stated, “We will launch market-changing products by integrating TDK’s proprietary technologies and sensors with LG Innotek’s core technologies.”

Moon Hyuksoo, CEO of LG Innotek, said, “In the robotics sector, ‘multi-sensing’ that combines a multitude of sensors will attract attention. Through this partnership with TDK, which houses various sensor types, we aim to lead the ecosystem of core robot components.”

Meanwhile, according to the market research firm IDTechEx, the global sensor market is expected to grow by an average of 6% annually to reach USD 253 billion (approximately KRW 371 trillion) by 2035.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.