TDK’s advanced motion tracking IMU with an embedded machine learning solution enables responsive, motion context-aware smart eyewear for augmented reality and seamless AI accessibility in wearables
New custom IMU with BalancedGyro™ and on-chip sensor fusion offers high precision head orientation tracking, optical/electronic image stabilization, and intuitive UI control at ultra-low power
TDK’s suite of sensing solutions for smart glasses, AR glasses, and extended reality also includes MEMS microphones, TMR-based magnetometers, and ultrasonic time-of-flight solutions

September 16, 2025

TDK Corporation (TSE:6762) announces a new custom sensing solution for intelligent eyewear: InvenSense SmartMotion^® for Smart Glasses, which enables precise, responsive, context-aware motion tracking for smart glasses, at ultra-low power. Ideal for augmented reality and seamless AI accessibility, this solution enables high accuracy head tracking, stable image/video capture, intuitive UI control, and posture recognition.

The custom ICM-45685 sensor has on-chip sensor fusion software and optimized memory to support multiple algorithms running on-chip concurrently. This enables simultaneous use of features including precise head orientation tracking, optical/electronic image stabilization, activity/inactivity tracking, and more. Built on the success of ICM-45686, which has been widely adopted for AR/VR, the new ICM-45685 adds software features that target smart glasses applications. ICM-45685 is now available by direct sales inquiry with additional features like donning/doffing and voice vibration detection (VVD) becoming available at the end of the year.

“Today’s smart glasses are fashion-forward, with more discreet augmented reality features that fit into everyday use,” said Pankaj Aggarwal, VP & GM Consumer and Industrial Motion Business of InvenSense, a TDK Group Company. “Building on years of leadership in low power, accurate MEMS sensing and software solutions for AR/VR, our new SmartMotion for smart glasses enables a wide range of intuitive extended reality experiences by supporting flexibility of programming multiple decision trees.”

In addition to the new custom SmartMotion for Smart Glasses ICM-45685, TDK offers a diverse set of sensing solutions for smart glasses and AR glasses, including:

PositionSense 9-axis solution (IMU+TMR) for absolute orientation detection and navigation
TMR sensors for glasses hinges (in-use or closed)
Low-power MEMS microphones for voice-activated AI and human machine interface
Ultrasonic time-of-flight sensors for precise wear detection and gesture tracking
Temperature sensors for measuring body temperature or ambient temperature
Temperature sensors for overtemperature monitoring of optical components (e.g. lasers)

TDK sensing solutions for AR/VR and AI glasses applications include the SmartMotion ICM 45685, SmartSoundTM MEMS microphones T5837, T5838, and T5848, plus TDK SmartSonicTM ultrasonic time-of-flight sensors ICU-30201 and ICU-20201. The new SmartMotion for smart glasses, ICM-45685, is available via direct sales inquiry only at invensense.tdk.com/smartmotion or via inv.sales.us@tdk.com. Learn more about TDK’s full suite of solutions for smart glasses and AR/VR at smart-glasses.

Glossary

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

Main applications

AI smart glasses
Augmented/extended reality glasses
Fitness/sports eyewear

Main features and benefits

High accuracy/head orientation tracking with on-chip gyro-assisted fusion (GAF) algorithm
OIS/EIS for camera module
Activity tracking via machine learning and InvenSense sensor inference framework (SIF)
Superb vibration rejection with BalancedGyroTM technology
Ultra-low power IMU for extended battery life

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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