TDK InvenSense was named the winner of the most innovative product in the Data Acquisition & Analytics category of the Best of Sensors Awards 2023 for its SmartBug 2.0. Entries in the awards were judged by a panel of industry experts based on uniqueness of design, value to the marketplace, and the impact a design had on issues in the sensor ecosystem.
The SmartBug 2.0 is an all-in-one multi-sensor wireless solution with built-in machine learning for more-efficient data collection and a unique ladybug shape. It leverages TDK MEMS sensors and algorithms and can be used in a wide variety of IoT applications. The newest SmartBug design was released earlier this year as an improvement of the original SmartBug in 2019.
When presenting the award, Charlene Soucy, senior director of Sensors & Electronics, said, "Users can stick this second-generation module on literally anything to collect intelligent sensor data and use that data to build low-power machine-learning models. In fact, this product was used by a tier-1 wearable customer to build a ML algorithm for gym activity classification."
This second generation of SmartBug replaces the original ICM-42688-P IMU with the most recent and the world's lowest power BalanceGyro IMU, ICM-456xy. This change makes batteries last three times as long, allowing developers to collect high-quality IMU data for a longer time. The new IMU also provides improved vibration protection and temperature stability, making it suitable for drones, robotics, VR, AR glasses, and more.
But the key feature of the new SmartBug design is the addition of machine learning. Product designers and developers are now able to use SmartBug 2.0 with TDK's sensor inference framework (SIF) to develop machine-learning solutions for the ICM-456xy IMU. Combining these two technologies allows users to collect sensor data, choose custom features, build machine-learning models, and deploy and run those models on the ICM-456xy IMU. Exercise classification (squats, push-ups, or lateral raises) and wrist gesture classification (shake, fight, or clench) are just two of the many possible use cases for this feature.
Other features include:
- Head tracking. SmartBug 2.0 includes the VibeSense360 sensor for TWS and AR applications.
- Air motion. SmartBug 2.0 added swipe gestures, remote orientation gestures, and cursor tracking for smart TV remotes.
- Better data collection. Streaming and logging parameters in the SmartBug have been improved for longer-duration streaming and multi-sensor and algorithm data logging.
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The SmartBug 2.0 also retained the features that made the first version popular, like the user interface, BLE, WiFi, USB, and SD card logging, as well as the previous asset monitoring, smart door lock, and sensor fusion applications.
"SmartBug 2.0 will take digital transformation to the next level by not only being a trusted source of smart sensor data, but by providing the ability to create efficient machine-learning models on a 2.5- by 3-millimeter sensor," said Sahil Choudhary, product marketing director at InvenSense.
TDK is based in Tokyo, Japan, and is a world leader in smart electronic solutions. Its product lines include passive components like ceramic and film capacitors, piezo and protection devices, and sensor and sensor systems. InvenSense is a TDK company and world-leading provider of SmartSensing platforms that target consumer electronics areas with ultrasonic, pressure, sound, and integrated motion solutions.
To discover the other companies providing innovative sensors, visit our article on the Best of Sensors Awards.