TDK acquires SoftEye to enable artificial intelligence within smart glasses and grow its AI ecosystem business

Rhea-AI Summary

TDK Corporation has acquired SoftEye, Inc., a U.S.-based technology company specializing in smart glasses solutions. SoftEye develops custom chips, cameras, software, and algorithms that enable eye-tracking and object recognition for AI-powered smart glasses. The acquisition strengthens TDK's position in the AI ecosystem and smart glasses market. SoftEye's key innovation is their eyeGenI™ and eyeGI™ technology, which creates a novel Human Machine Interface allowing users to interact with AI through eye movements. The system features low-power consumption and always-on capabilities, making it ideal for AR/VR display systems. Founded in 2022 and headquartered in San Diego, SoftEye has engineering teams across San Diego, Seoul, and Taipei. This strategic acquisition aligns with TDK's vision to enhance user experiences in AI-connected smart glasses.

Positive

• Acquisition provides TDK with proprietary eye-tracking and AI technology for smart glasses market
• SoftEye's low-power custom chips and sensor systems offer competitive advantage in AR/VR display systems
• Strategic expansion into growing AI ecosystem and smart glasses market
• Access to SoftEye's engineering teams across three strategic locations (San Diego, Seoul, Taipei)

Negative

• Acquisition of early-stage company (founded 2022) may carry integration risks
• No disclosed financial terms or acquisition price
• Entering competitive AR/VR market dominated by tech giants

• TDK has acquired SoftEye, Inc, a leading enabler of technologies used in AI/Smart glasses
• Acquisition enables TDK to accelerate the delivery of a complete system for smart glasses and create a new Human Machine Interface (HMI) for interacting with AI through eye movement

SAN JOSE, Calif., June 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TDK Corporation (TSE: 6762) announced that it has acquired SoftEye, Inc. (CEO: Te-Won Lee, hereinafter "SoftEye"), a U.S.-based systems solution company developing custom chips, cameras, software and algorithms for use in smart glasses. As a result of the acquisition, SoftEye is an indirectly wholly owned subsidiary of TDK Corporation. This acquisition represents a key milestone in the development of TDK's contribution to the entire AI ecosystem and reinforces the business portfolio to establish a leadership position in this critical market.

SoftEye, based in San Diego, California, USA, is pursuing a vision to seamlessly connect the user with generative AI. Their custom chips, cameras and algorithms enable an end-to-end system empowering "the eyes for AI (eyeGenI™, eyeGI™)". SoftEye's always-on custom chips and sensor systems feature a novel hardware- and software-based eye intent technology that enables low-power eye tracking and object recognition. This technology is a critical element in delivering a complete AR/VR display system and will also create a new Human Machine Interface (HMI) for interacting with AI through eye movement.

"SoftEye brings expertise in algorithms, camera, and low-power chip design which gives TDK leadership positions in driving consumer applications for AR related technologies," stated Jim Tran, Corporate Officer, TDK Corporation.

"We are building technologies for AI glasses connecting the user with generative AI, which fits directly in line with TDK strategy for smart glasses which can connect people with AI for a more intuitive and compelling user experience," continued Te-Won Lee, CEO, SoftEye. "SoftEye's novel, low power eye intent system unlocks a new type of Human Machine Interface that allows the user to communicate with AI simply through their eye movements. Together, we believe we can deliver even more advanced integrated solutions – spanning systems, software and machine learning and custom chips."

The following is an outline of the company profile:

1. Company name: SoftEye, Inc.
2. Location: Headquartered in San Diego, CA, with engineering teams in San Diego / Seoul / Taipei
3. Established: March 2, 2022
4. Management: CEO – Te-Won Lee; VP Engineering – Edwin Park; ML Lead – Ravishankar Sivalingam; SW Lead – Aravind Natarajan
5. Core business operations: SoftEye provides novel, eye-intent HW+SW technology for the emerging smart glasses market.
6. Learn more about SoftEye's key technologies to enable AI glasses: https://www.softeye.ai/

Glossary

• AI: Artificial Intelligence
• AR: Augmented Reality
• VR: Virtual Reality
• HMI: Human Machine Interface
• Smart Glasses: Wearable computing devices that integrate with eyewear, offering enhanced functionalities beyond traditional glasses
• Machine Learning: The use and development of computer systems that can learn and adapt without following explicit instructions, by using algorithms and statistical models to analyze and draw inferences from patterns in data

About TDK Corporation

TDK Corporation is a world leader in electronic solutions for the smart society based in Tokyo, Japan. Built on a foundation of material sciences mastery, TDK welcomes societal transformation by resolutely remaining at the forefront of technological evolution. It was established in 1935 to commercialize ferrite, a key material in electronic and magnetic products. TDK's comprehensive, innovation-driven portfolio features passive components such as ceramic, aluminum electrolytic and film capacitors, as well as magnetics, high-frequency, and piezo and protection devices. The product spectrum also includes sensors and sensor systems such as temperature and pressure, magnetic, and MEMS sensors. In addition, TDK provides power supplies and energy devices, magnetic heads, software and more. These products are marketed under the product brands TDK, EPCOS, InvenSense, Micronas, Tronics, and TDK-Lambda. TDK focuses on demanding markets in automotive, industrial and consumer electronics, and information and communication technology. The company has a network of design and manufacturing locations and sales offices in Asia, Europe, and in North and South America. In fiscal 2025, TDK posted total sales of USD 14.4 billion and employed about 105,000 people worldwide.

About SoftEye Inc.

SoftEye is a developer of AI-powered fundamental technologies designed for smart glasses. The company's product offers various features such as computer vision, low-power system, real-time recognition, AI algorithms with low-power architecture design, describes objects and associates memory, enabling users to experience technology-driven wearable glasses. www.softeye.ai   

Images related to this release can be downloaded from the following URL:  https://www.tdk.com/en/news_center/press/20250619-01-acquisition-of-SoftEye.html

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SOURCE TDK Corporation

FAQ

What is the purpose of TDK's acquisition of SoftEye?

TDK acquired SoftEye to strengthen its AI ecosystem business and gain proprietary technology for smart glasses, specifically eye-tracking and AI interaction capabilities through eye movements.

What are the main technologies SoftEye brings to TDK (TTDKY)?

SoftEye brings custom chips, cameras, software, and algorithms for eye tracking and object recognition, particularly their eyeGenI™ and eyeGI™ technology that enables AI interaction through eye movements.

When was SoftEye founded and where is it located?

SoftEye was founded on March 2, 2022, and is headquartered in San Diego, California, with engineering teams in San Diego, Seoul, and Taipei.

How will this acquisition impact TDK's market position?

The acquisition positions TDK as a leader in the smart glasses and AR/VR market, enhancing its AI ecosystem business and providing new human-machine interface capabilities.

What is unique about SoftEye's eye tracking technology?

SoftEye's technology features always-on custom chips and sensor systems with low-power eye intent technology, enabling efficient eye tracking and object recognition for AR/VR applications.