TDK (TSE:6762) has introduced a new entity called TDK SensEI, aimed at exploring the merging fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and sensor fusion at the edge. The name SensEI stands for “sensor edge intelligence.” The primary focus of this global organization, headquartered in Singapore, is to provide Industry 4.0 solutions as the realm expands into machine and production health, with substantial financial backing from TDK to drive sustainable evolution.
Building upon TDK’s extensive 85-year history of commercializing magnetic and electronic materials, SensEI intends to develop Industry 4.0 solutions by combining various TDK assets with technologies from TDK’s existing sensor, battery, and passive component offerings. The initiative will integrate TDK’s software/edge AI with hardware solutions like motion sensors, magnetic sensors, microphones, temperature sensors, and battery/energy harvesting sensors to cater to the manufacturing, heavy industry, and renewable energy sectors.
Sandeep Pandya, an experienced executive from outside TDK, has been appointed as the CEO of TDK SensEI. Pandya brings a wealth of entrepreneurial leadership experience in developing teams, products, and new markets across diverse technologies and industries, particularly in early-stage ventures with AI/deep tech foundations. He holds an MBA from Northwestern University’s J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management, along with BS and MS degrees in Computer Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
“In industrial settings, integrating multiple sensors and AI technologies at the edge has become crucial for maintaining production uptime,” stated Sandeep Pandya, CEO of TDK SensEI. “Companies that pioneer the commercialization of such solutions will lead the charge towards realizing the potential of Industry 4.0. I am thrilled to spearhead and expand this venture for TDK.”
“We believe that manufacturers are facing challenges in processing real-time data streams from their machinery, which hinders their ability to optimize production capacity to the fullest. The trend is shifting from centralized cloud services towards decentralized edge locations. These edge computing platforms process and analyze machine data locally before relaying it to operations teams for further review,” explained Noboru Saito, President and CEO of TDK. “We envision SensEI creating an innovative platform leveraging TDK’s AI expertise to simplify the deployment of multi-class ML anomaly detection models in the short term and devising long-term AI solutions to drive technological progress and societal transformation, thereby contributing to an enduring sustainable future.”
