Connect with us

Technology

TDK technologies empower accessibility innovation with WeWALK’s AI-powered smart cane

Published

2 years ago

on

MEMS Sensors

New WeWALK Smart Cane 2 enables “unlimited mobility for visually impaired people” utilizing TDK sensor technologyIMU motion sensors enable highly accurate navigation while operating at ultra-low powerMEMS microphones accurately capture voice commands while consuming very little powerUltrasonic time-of-flight sensors enable real-time presence detection and obstacle avoidanceTDK offers a WeWALK Smart Cane 2 giveaway at its CES 2025 booth #15815*

SAN JOSE, Calif., Jan. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TDK Corporation (TSE:6762) is presenting in its CES 2025 Booth #15815 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.

WeWALK, whose recent accolades include The King’s Awards for Enterprise Innovation and Edison Awards 2024, will join the CES Consumer Technology Association’s (CTA) Accessibility roundtable on January 6, 2025 in Las Vegas and demonstrate its innovative Smart Cane 2 at the TDK CES booth #15815, January 7-10 and WeWALK CES booth #62035.

At the CTA Accessibility roundtable, WeWALK will unveil its groundbreaking Smart Cane 2, featuring an AI-powered voice assistant. 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 accelerometerInvenSense SmartSound™ microphone sensor, offering an intelligent voice assistant to help Smart Cane 2 users explore wherever they want to goInvenSense 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 mobilityTDK multilayer chip antenna, to send and receive signals in the required frequencyTDK wound metal inductors for power circuitsTDK 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.”

Learn more
For additional information about WeWALK and TDK products within the WeWALK Smart Cane 2, please visit invensense.tdk.com/wewalk.

About WeWALK
Founded in 2019, WeWALK is a UK-based startup with a mission to enhance the mobility of visually impaired people. It leverages cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence to provide innovative solutions, such as the smart cane. WeWALK’s technologies enable blind and visually impaired people to enjoy greater mobility, safety, and independence. For more information, please visit https://wewalk.io. Images are available in the WeWALK press kit.

About the CES giveaway
*To enter TDK’s giveaway of the WeWALK’s new AI-powered Smart Cane 2, visit the TDK CES booth #15815 reception desk or WeWALK booth # 62035 and provide your contact information with a request to enter the Smart Cane 2 giveaway. Daily on January 7, 8, 9 and 10, TDK and WeWALK will randomly draw two entries and confirm winners by email; all eight winners will receive the Smart Cane 2 and associated training materials on the product’s estimated shipping date of February 2025.

Glossary

IMU: Inertial Measurement Unit6-axis: 3-axis gyroscope + 3-axis accelerometerMEMS: Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems

Main applications for TDK MEMS sensors

Accessibility and medical devicesIoT and smart homeSmartphonesWearablesHearables / TWSAR/VR and gamingAction/dash camerasDronesNavigation modulesHome and industrial robotics

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 and deliberately “Attracting Tomorrow.” 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 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 2024, TDK posted total sales of USD 14.6 billion and employed about 101,000 people worldwide.

About InvenSense
InvenSense, a TDK group company, is a world-leading provider of Sensing Solutions. InvenSense’s vision of Sensing Everything® targets the consumer electronics and industrial areas with integrated Motion, Sound, Pressure, and Ultrasonic solutions. InvenSense’s solutions combine MEMS (micro electrical mechanical systems) sensors, such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, compasses, microphones, barometric pressure sensors, and ultrasonic time-of-flight sensors with proprietary algorithms and firmware that intelligently process, synthesize, and calibrate the output of sensors, maximizing performance and accuracy. InvenSense’s motion tracking, ultrasonic, audio, fingerprint, location platforms and services can be found in Mobile, Wearables, Smart Home, Industrial, Automotive, IoT, Robotics, and many more types of products. InvenSense became part of the MEMS Sensors Business Group within the Sensor Systems Business Company of TDK Corporation in 2017. In April of 2022, Chirp Microsystems formally merged with InvenSense. InvenSense is headquartered in San Jose, California and has offices worldwide.

You can download this text and associated images from https://invensense.tdk.com/news-media/tdk-technologies-empower-accessibility-innovation-with-wewalks-ai-powered-smart-cane

Contacts for regional media

Region

Contact

Phone

Mail

Global

Dawn

MORTENSEN    

InvenSense
San Jose, CA, USA

+1 408-501-2368

Dawn.Mortensen@tdk.com

North America

Sarah MACKENZIE

Publitek
Portland, OR

+1 503-720-3743

TDK-global@publitek.com

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2586360/TDK_WeWALK.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tdk-technologies-empower-accessibility-innovation-with-wewalks-ai-powered-smart-cane-302337730.html

SOURCE TDK

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Technology

LEAP Group Relaunches HumanView, a Growth Intelligence System Built to Explain Why Customers Behave the Way They Do

Published

5 hours ago

on

October 24, 2026

By

Reimagined from the ground up, HumanView pairs statistical modeling with expert analysts to turn millions of real-world customer signals into business decisions

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LEAP Group today announced the relaunch of HumanView, its growth intelligence service. The new version has been rebuilt from the ground up and now has a dedicated home at leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

HumanView analyzes what customers say and do across social platforms, e-commerce sites, review platforms, search behavior and user-generated content, including signals from Reddit, TikTok, YouTube, Meta, Amazon and Walmart+ that general AI tools cannot always access. Because the data reflects unprompted, real-world behavior, it avoids the response bias built into surveys and focus groups.

The service works in three layers. HumanView captures signals at scale, decodes millions of records through validated statistical models such as regression, correlation and clustering, and then relies on experienced analysts to interpret the patterns. Clients receive clear, human-validated insights instead of another dashboard.

“Machines find the patterns. Humans find the point,” said Alan Gilleo, CEO at LEAP Group. “The first version of HumanView showed us how much customers reveal when nobody is asking them questions. This version is built to explain why they act the way they do, and to put those answers in front of everyone making decisions, from product to service to marketing.”

HumanView focuses on three areas:

Growth Intelligence: customer motivations and how people perceive a brand and its competitors

Market and Category Intelligence: product pain points, service friction, unmet needs and competitive gaps

Audience Intelligence: new segments, positioning opportunities and gaps in the market

Every model is designed and validated by data scientists and benchmarked before it informs a recommendation.

To learn more about HumanView, visit leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

About LEAP Group
LEAP Group is a boutique marketing agency holding company with offices in Louisville, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Chicago. Guided by the belief that brands should “Market Less. Matter More.,” LEAP gives clients access to specialized experts across its entire network. Learn more at leapgroupnetwork.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leap-group-relaunches-humanview-a-growth-intelligence-system-built-to-explain-why-customers-behave-the-way-they-do-302918557.html

SOURCE LEAP Group

Continue Reading

Technology

STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

Published

6 hours ago

on

October 24, 2026

By

NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stephen-a-smith-addresses-white-house-dinner-attendance-reaffirms-commitment-to-hbcus-and-protecting-corporate-investment-in-black-education-302918547.html

SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

Continue Reading

Technology

Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

Published

6 hours ago

on

October 24, 2026

By

TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Continue Reading

Trending