Original source: TDK Press Release – June 19, 2025
TDK Corporation has announced its acquisition of SoftEye, a California-based startup developing AI-based human-machine interface (HMI) solutions that focus on "eye intent." The move strengthens TDK’s position in edge AI and supports its broader strategy of building a next-generation technology ecosystem centered around human-machine understanding.
SoftEye’s technology is designed to interpret user intention through eye movement, providing a more intuitive, hands-free interface that could reshape how people interact with devices across consumer electronics, automotive, and medical sectors. The company’s work aligns with a growing industry focus on natural, unobtrusive forms of control.
Founded in 2020, SoftEye has operations in San Diego and Berkeley and is led by Professor Te-Won Lee of UC San Diego, along with co-founders Dr. Mike Daily and Dr. Florian Semancik. With roots in neuroscience, signal processing, and AI, the team brings a depth of research capability and a clear roadmap for real-world application.
Jim Tran, General Manager at TDK’s Embedded AI/Edge Technology Business, commented: “SoftEye’s technology expands how we think about machine interfaces. Their approach complements TDK’s vision of human-centric, edge-based AI systems.”
Professor Lee added: “TDK offers the resources and ecosystem we need to accelerate the adoption of eye-intent HMI in commercial products. We’re excited to move forward as part of the TDK family.”
SoftEye now operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of TDK and will continue to focus on product development while benefiting from integration into TDK’s broader network of sensors, actuators, and AI platforms.
This acquisition adds to a series of strategic moves by TDK to transition beyond components into enabling technologies for next-generation applications.
Original press release: TDK – Acquisition of SoftEye
