TDK Corporation (TSE: 6762) and Korea's LG Innotek have entered a strategic partnership in Physical AI, jointly developing next-generation vision and tactile sensor modules for humanoid robots and other embodied AI systems.
Eyes and skin for the robots
The deal pairs LG Innotek's optical and ultra-precision module design with TDK's sensor stack — including InvenSense inertial measurement units, position sensors and microphones — so the resulting modules can serve as both the eyes and the skin of a humanoid. A TDK IMU mounted on the vision module, for example, will instantly correct image shake from robot movement, letting hardware makers drop several separate parts.
Executive commitment on both sides
The partnership was announced by LG Innotek CTO John Min and TDK CTO Shuichi Hashiyama on July 28, 2026. LG Innotek CEO Moon Hyuksoo said multi-sensing will be a key capability in robotics and that the tie-up will help shape the ecosystem for core robotic components. TDK President and CEO Noboru Saito said combining TDK's fundamental technologies with LG Innotek's expertise will bring "truly revolutionary products to the global market."
2027 commercial vision module target
The companies plan to commercialise a next-generation vision sensing module and tactile sensing module by 2027 for a humanoid robotics market LG Innotek projects to reach 1,296 trillion won by 2033. TDK's fiscal 2026 sales hit $16.6 billion; LG Innotek is the world's No.1 supplier of smartphone camera modules and is expanding into mobility, semiconductors and robotics.
The deal follows a wave of physical AI moves covered here, including Agility Robotics' 60,000 sq ft Fremont hub for Digit, Nota AI joining the AMD Robotics Partner Network, and Applied Intuition's Dana agentic platform.
Reporting based on coverage from TDK Corporation, LG Innotek, The Korea Times, Embedded and Electronic Products & Technology.