MEMS Sensors: Powering the Invisible IoT

The Internet of Things (IoT) is redefining how we interact with the world around us. Every device—every person—is increasingly connected, and Micro‑Electro‑Mechanical Systems (MEMS) sensors are the silent workhorses that collect, monitor, and analyze data in real time.

In an interview with EE Times Europe, Peter Hartwell, Chief Technology Officer of TDK InvenSense, paints a future where IoT transcends the individual experience and becomes invisible, with sensors acting as the bridge between the virtual and the real worlds.

EE Times Europe: Last year you were inducted into the SEMI‑MEMS & Sensors Industry Group Hall of Fame, an honor that recognizes a lasting impact on the industry. How do you feel about it?

Peter Hartwell, CTO of TDK InvenSense

Peter Hartwell: If I had to sum it up in one word, I’d say “old.” MEMS is still a young industry, and I’ve been part of it since high school. Watching colleagues move to other fields, it’s a privilege to be recognized by peers for pushing the technology forward. I feel both humbled and honored.

EETE: With over 25 years of experience commercializing silicon MEMS and more than 40 worldwide patents, what would you say are the pivotal moments in your career?

Hartwell: My career has always centered on the idea that sensors drive change. My first role at Hewlett‑Packard was a wake‑up call: computers are powerful, but without sensors they’re blind, deaf, and numb. Sensors gave machines the ability to see and interact with the world. This concept now feels natural, thanks to the computing power that turns sensor data into actionable insights—like changing the music with a simple voice command.

At Apple, I saw how bringing advanced sensors to the masses could democratize technology. A memorable moment was watching a 70‑year‑old and his 4‑year‑old granddaughter navigate an iPhone together. Four years earlier, neither would have used a computer. Their seamless experience—and the granddaughter’s picture of the moment—illustrated how technology can become truly invisible.

Looking ahead, I envision sensors dissolving into our environment so seamlessly that we no longer notice their presence. Imagine a voice interface where a child simply presses a single button—“Hey Siri” or “Ok Google”—and the world responds intuitively. The goal is to make technology so natural that we’re never surprised by its performance.

EETE: In 2017, TDK acquired InvenSense and its AI‑savvy software team. How has InvenSense technology been integrated into TDK’s smartphone and IoT portfolios?

Hartwell: The partnership has been mutually beneficial. InvenSense brought deep sensor expertise and a strong software foundation, while TDK’s commitment to quality—embodied in the Japanese concept of monozukuri, “make well”—added a new layer of purpose through kotozukuri (build with intent). Together, we now offer a complete system‑level solution across IoT, automotive, and consumer electronics, addressing every step from raw materials to the end‑user experience.

EETE: What’s next for TDK’s InvenSense expansion in terms of product development and technology roadmap?

Hartwell: We’re heavily invested in ultrasonics. InvenSense already pioneered an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor before the acquisition, and we recently acquired Chirp—a leader in ultrasound materials. This fusion of new MEMS devices and cutting‑edge materials is opening up a wide range of applications. Electrostatic actuators have matured, and piezoelectric technology promises the next leap. In short, we’re expanding from pure sensing to integrated actuation, using ultrasound to both detect and influence the physical world.

EETE: As CTO, what emerging MEMS and sensor technologies—outside of TDK—are capturing your attention?

Hartwell: Medtech is a key area, especially consumer‑grade wearable diagnostics that could become commonplace in 20–40 years. Optical sensors are also exploding, driven by automotive LiDAR and structured‑light 3D imaging. The integration of radar into toys and consumer devices will bring a new wave of interactive experiences. The convergence of optical, radar, and LiDAR technologies is particularly exciting for the toy and consumer electronics sectors.

EETE: At the MEMS & Sensors Executive Congress, the Technology Showcase highlighted innovations such as a DNA search engine, 4D LiDAR for autonomous vehicles, and wearable biosensors for healthcare. What insights do you draw from these developments, and has any startup particularly impressed you?

Hartwell: I’m fascinated by entrepreneurs who risk everything to pursue bold ideas. Currently, I’m focused on AR and VR. To bring VR into everyday life, we need more than headsets; we need content and sensors that can capture and recreate experiences. Think of a VR platform that lets you travel, shop, or create personal content—just as “Game of Thrones” took decades to evolve. I’ve personally digitized skiing trips and shared them with family in VR, turning virtual skiing into a tangible, shared memory.

EETE: Your vision carries a strong sense of purpose and humanity. How does that shape your approach to sensor development?

Hartwell: It feels natural to humanize technology. As devices learn to perceive—see, hear, feel, even smell—we strive to make those interactions relatable. Sensors glue the virtual and real worlds together, enabling robots to understand their environment and humans to immerse themselves in virtual spaces. The future may feature autonomous companions: smart speakers that move with you, manage your home, and respond when you fall. Such technology will fade into the background, becoming part of everyday life.

>> This article was originally published on our sister site, EE Times Europe.