TDK has introduced new InvenSense SmartMotion custom sensing solutions for wearable and IoT devices, including wireless earbuds, AI glasses, augmented reality eyewear, smartwatches, and fitness bands. The solutions combine MEMS motion sensors with sensor fusion software to process motion data from multiple sources. The release includes three new IMUs (inertial measurement units), based on TDK’s ICM-456xx family, designed for low-power, high-accuracy motion tracking and on-device edge processing.
“The challenge in today’s wearable market is delivering features like seamless augmented reality (AR) or high-fidelity spatial audio without sacrificing the compact, stylish form factor and all-day battery life,” said Pankaj Aggarwal, VP & GM of the consumer and industrial motion, InvenSense, a TDK group company. “Our ICM-456xx family with BalancedGyro technology and on-chip intelligence solves this problem. It ensures that every user head turn, every UI gesture, and every AR overlay is instantaneous, stable, and incredibly power efficient.”
SmartMotion shifts motion tracking computation from central processors to the sensor itself, enabling local decision-making and lower system power use. Integrated sensor fusion algorithms and machine learning reduce the software effort required for motion sensing.
The newest SmartMotion solutions, based on the ICM-456xy family of 6-axis IMUs, include:
- SmartMotion ICM-45606 targets TWS devices, including earbuds, headphones, and other hearable products, with the VibeSense360 TWS solution supporting on-chip sensor fusion, high yaw accuracy, vocal vibration detection, and machine learning for gesture and activity sensing. This part number will be available by the end of Q1.
- SmartMotion ICM-45687 for wearable and IoT technology is available via sales inquiry. The IMU-45687 supports on-chip algorithms like bring-to-see, wake-on-motion, and tap, plus machine learning for activity classification and gesture detection.
- SmartMotion for Smart Glasses ICM-45685, first announced Sep 16, 2025, for smart glasses supports wear detection, vocal vibration detection (VVD), and on-chip sensor fusion, enabling head orientation tracking, optical/electronic image stabilization, UI control, posture recognition, and translation.
TDK’s Smart Glasses sensing portfolio combines the SmartMotion ICM-45685 with TMR (Tunnel-magneto resistance) sensors for hinge angle detection, MEMS microphones for voice-activated AI, ultrasonic time-of-flight sensors for wear detection and gesture tracking, and PositionSense solution for orientation detection and navigation.
Main features
- Ultra-low power IMU with lowest power gyroscope in the industry
- Vibration rejection with BalancedGyro technology
- High accuracy head orientation tracking with on-chip gyro-assisted fusion (GAF) algorithm
- OIS/EIS for camera modules
- Activity classification via machine learning and InvenSense sensor inference framework (SIF)
- Accelerometer based vocal vibration detection to detect speech from the person who wears the device
- UI control by user gestures like tap, double/triple tap, head nodding or shaking
Main applications
- AI smart glasses
- Augmented and extended reality eyewear
- Fitness or sports eyewear
- TWS ear buds or headphones
- Smart watches
- Smart rings
- Fitness bands
- AI-powered smart home devices
Source: TDK Corporation
About TDK Corporation
TDK Corporation, founded in 1935 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a global technology company and supplier of electronic components and systems. The company’s portfolio includes passive components such as capacitors, inductors, and filters, as well as sensors, power supplies, magnetics, batteries, magnetic heads, and enterprise software solutions. Its products are marketed under brands including TDK, EPCOS, InvenSense, Micronas, Tronics, TDK-Lambda, TDK SensEI, and ATL. TDK serves industries such as telecommunications, automotive, industrial equipment, data centers, consumer electronics, and energy systems. Over its 90-year history, TDK has contributed to technologies ranging from ferrite cores and cassette tapes to components that support smartphones, electric vehicles, gaming, and renewable energy systems.