LG Innotek (011070) is teaming up with Japanese global electronic components maker TDK to target the physical artificial intelligence (AI) market. Under the plan, LG Innotek, which holds optical technology, and TDK, which possesses diverse sensor technologies, will jointly develop core components that serve as robots' "eyes" and "skin."
LG Innotek said on the 28th that it had signed a strategic partnership with TDK in the physical AI field. The collaboration centers on combining LG Innotek's ultra-precision design capabilities with TDK's advanced sensor technologies such as inertial and positional sensing. Through this, the two companies have set a goal to commercialize next-generation vision sensing modules and tactile sensing modules by 2027.
The next-generation vision sensing module is a product that goes beyond simple visual information to integrate and process data such as a robot's movement and sound, maximizing surrounding recognition performance. For example, by mounting TDK's inertial measurement unit (IMU) onto the vision sensing module, image shaking that occurs when a robot moves can be instantly corrected. Robot manufacturers can lower cost and design burdens with a single integrated module instead of purchasing multiple sensors separately.
The two companies will also begin jointly developing a tactile sensing module that serves as a robot's skin. Mounted on a robot's hand or body to detect minute contact and pressure, this component is highly difficult to develop as it requires advanced technology such as ultra-precision and flexible structures. By combining LG Innotek's digital signal processing technology with TDK's tactile sensing technology, they plan to unveil high-value-added components optimized for work environments.
According to market research firm Grand View Research, the global physical AI market is projected to grow at an annual average of 36.1%, from $81.6 billion (about 110 trillion won) in 2025 to $960.4 billion (about 1,296 trillion won) in 2033. Tactile sensors used in electronic skin and the like are also expected to expand from $3.68 billion to $21.5 billion over the same period.
LG Innotek, which has collaborated with global big tech companies on the strength of existing cameras, LiDAR, and radar, is accelerating its market lead through this alliance. Moon Hyuk-soo, president of LG Innotek, said, "Multi-sensing that combines numerous sensors will draw significant attention in the robotics field," adding, "Through our collaboration with TDK, we will lead the ecosystem for core robot components."
Noboru Saito, president of TDK, also said, "By combining the two companies' technologies, we will unveil products that will change the market landscape."
