TDK technologies and WeWalk empower accessibility with AI-powered smart cane

• MEMS microphones accurately capture voice commands while consuming very little power
• Ultrasonic time-of-flight sensors enable real-time presence detection and obstacle avoidance

TDK Corporation is presenting at the CES 2025 how TDK MEMS sensors and solutions enable innovation in accessibility technology, as multi-award-winning company WeWALK announces global availability of its Smart Cane 2 for visually impaired people. The WeWALK Smart Cane 2 is an intelligent assistive device empowered by TDK motion sensors, MEMS microphones, and ultrasonic time-of-flight sensors, for highly accurate navigation, voice prompts, and obstacle avoidance.

During CES 2025, live demonstrations of this innovative cane will showcase its ability to enhance mobility and independence for visually impaired people, marking a significant leap forward in accessible technology.

The WeWALK Smart Cane 2 integrates multiple sensor solutions by InvenSense, a TDK group company, as well as TDK SMT inductors and RF antennae, showcasing the potential of TDK technology to enable a variety of IoT innovations. Also at the TDK booth, members of the visually impaired community can enter to receive one of eight WeWALK Smart Cane 2 devices, in a giveaway sponsored by TDK.*

“The new AI-powered WeWALK Smart Cane 2 combines insights from our own lived experiences and the visually impaired community with TDK’s expertise in advanced sensor technology,” said Kursat Ceylan, co-founder of WeWALK. “This collaboration has allowed us to redefine mobility and accessibility, creating a truly empowering tool for visually impaired individuals worldwide.”

TDK technology within the WeWALK Smart Cane 2 includes:

• InvenSense SmartMotion® 6-axis IMU sensor, enabling Smart Cane 2 users to navigate both indoor and outdoor environments with the accuracy of an integrated gyroscope and accelerometer
• InvenSense SmartSound™ microphone sensor, offering an intelligent voice assistant to help Smart Cane 2 users explore wherever they want to go
• InvenSense SmartSonic™ ultrasonic time-of-flight sensor, for world-class presence detection and obstacle avoidance, to help ensure nothing gets in the way of safety and mobility
• TDK multilayer chip antenna, to send and receive signals in the required frequency
• TDK wound metal inductors for power circuits
• TDK multilayer ferrite inductors for decoupling circuits

“By using multiple TDK sensors to help create the intelligence of the Smart Cane 2, the WeWALK team shows the vast potential for sensor innovation,” said Massimo Mascotto, director of product marketing for InvenSense, a TDK group company. “We believe WeWALK inspires other engineers to use TDK sensors in creating products that improve lives.”