TDK’s new custom motion sensors, with on-chip sensor fusion and machine learning capability, enable edge intelligence for AI glasses, TWS ear buds, smart watches, fitness bands, and other IoT devices
The three newest IMUs from TDK can run motion tracking/detection algorithms on-chip and offload the computation power needed for motion tracking from SoC/MCU to local sensor for short system latency and low power consumption
Customers using the newest TDK IMUs include products on display at CES at TDK booth #15803

January 6, 2026

TDK Corporation (TSE:6762) announces a suite of InvenSense SmartMotion® custom sensing solutions for more intuitive user experiences with TWS ear buds, AI glasses, augmented reality eyewear, smart watches, fitness bands, and other IoT devices. Combining leading MEMS sensor innovation with sensor fusion software, the three newest IMUs are based on TDK’s latest ultra-low power, high-performance ICM-456xx family that offers edge intelligence for the next generation of consumer technology at the highest motion tracking accuracy.

“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.”

Instead of relying on power-hungry central processors, SmartMotion® on-chip software enables computational work related to motion tracking to be offloaded to the motion sensor itself, so that intelligence decisions may be made locally – allowing other parts of the system to remain in low-power mode. The sensor fusion algorithm and machine learning capability provide seamless motion sensing with minimum software effort by the customer.

The newest SmartMotion® solutions, based on the ICM-456xy family of 6-axis IMUs, include:

SmartMotion ICM-45606 for TWS applications including ear buds, headphones and other hearable products. This next-generation VibeSense360 TWS solution supports on-chip sensor fusion with high yaw accuracy, vocal vibration detection, and machine learning for sensing user gestures and activity detection. This part number will be available at distributors by the end of Q1.
SmartMotion ICM-45687 for wearable and IoT technology is now available via sales inquiry. The IMU-45687 enables on-chip algorithms like bring-to-see, wake-on-motion, and tap, plus machine learning for activity classification and user gesture detection.
SmartMotion for Smart Glasses ICM-45685, first announced September 16, 2025, now also enables new features, sensing whether users are putting glasses on or taking glasses off (wear detection) and vocal vibration detection (VVD) for identifying the source of the speech through its on-chip sensor fusion algorithms. This custom sensing solution also enables high-precision head orientation tracking, optical/electronic image stabilization, intuitive UI control, posture recognition, and real-time translation – all at ultra-low power.

The new SmartMotion ICM-45685 is part of an array of TDK custom sensing solutions for Smart Glasses that includes TMR sensors for hinge angle detection, MEMS microphones for voice-activated AI, Ultrasonic Time-of-Flight sensors for precise wear detection and gesture tracking, and PositionSense 9-axis solution with IMU+TMR magnetometer and software for absolute orientation detection and navigation.

Select SmartMotion sensor solutions in the ICM-456xx are available via distributors, with the above-mentioned custom solutions now available via direct sales inquiry. Inquire via invensense.tdk.com/smartmotion or inv.sales.us@tdk.com.

Glossary

6-axis: 3-axis gyroscope + 3-axis accelerometer
9-axis: 6-axis IMU + 3-axis TMR
EIS: electronic image stabilization
GAF: gyro-assisted fusion
IMU: inertial measurement unit
MEMS: micro-electro-mechanical systems
OIS: optical image stabilization
TMR: tunnel-magneto resistance

Main features

Ultra-low power IMU with lowest power gyroscope in the industry
Superb 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
Intuitive 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

About TDK Corporation

TDK Corporation (TSE:6762) is a global technology company and innovation leader in the electronics industry, based in Tokyo, Japan. With the tagline “In Everything, Better” TDK aims to realize a better future across all aspects of life, industry, and society. For over 90 years, TDK has shaped the world from within; from the pioneering ferrite cores to cassette tapes that defined an era, to powering the digital age with advanced components, sensors, and batteries, leading the way towards a more sustainable future. United by TDK Venture Spirit, a start-up mentality built on visions, courage and mutual trust, TDK’s passionate team members around the globe pursue better—for ourselves, customers, partners, and the world. Today, the state-of-the-art technologies of TDK are in everything, from industrial applications, energy systems, electric vehicles, to smartphones and gaming, at the core of modern life. TDK’s comprehensive, innovative-driven portfolio includes cutting-edge passive components, sensors and sensor systems, power supplies, lithium-ion and solid-state batteries, magnetic heads, AI and enterprise software solutions, and more—featuring numerous market-leading products. These are marketed under the product brands TDK, EPCOS, InvenSense, Micronas, Tronics, TDK-Lambda, TDK SensEI, and ATL. Positioning the AI ecosystem as a key strategic area, TDK leverages its global network across the automotive, information and communication technology, and industrial equipment sectors to expand its business in a wide range of fields. In fiscal 2025, TDK posted total sales of USD 14.4 billion and employed about 105,000 people worldwide.

About InvenSense

InvenSense, a TDK group company, is a world-leading provider of custom sensing solutions for consumer electronics, industrial, and automotive applications. InvenSense solutions integrate MEMS and magnetic sensors, such as IMUs, accelerometers, gyroscopes, compasses, microphones, TMR, and ultrasonic time-of flight sensors, with proprietary algorithms and firmware that intelligently process, synthesize, and calibrate the output of sensors for maximized performance and accuracy. InvenSense solutions empower leading technology in smartphones, wearables, hearables, smart home, gaming, IoT, robotics, drones, industrial, automotive, and other applications. Headquartered in San Jose, California and with offices worldwide, InvenSense became part of the Sensor Systems Business Company of TDK Corporation in 2017.

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