TDK Corporation has successfully visualized javelin throw data through its technology collaboration with World Athletics, first announced in June 2025. By applying TDK’s advanced sensor technology, previously invisible aspects of the javelin throw have been revealed—supporting both the technical development of the javelin itself and the performance improvement of athletes.
From TDK will showcase its innovations at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo’s National Stadium. The exhibition will feature prototypes of sensor-equipped javelins and future-oriented sample javelins with embedded sensors. The project reflects the shared ambition of TDK and World Athletics to evolve athletics through technology and expand its appeal to a wider audience.
Using TDK’s high-precision sensors, the initiative captures and visualizes the complex motion data generated at the moment of release and during flight—including launch angle, rotation, speed, altitude, and trajectory. Experimental trials with real javelins have already confirmed the ability to acquire and analyze this data, with ongoing efforts aimed at achieving even greater accuracy and detail.
At the core of this innovation is TDK’s ultra-miniature InvenSense 6-axis MEMS motion sensor. Weighing only 13 mg and measuring 2.5 × 3 × 0.81 mm, the ultra-low-power device detects position, speed, and angle. When combined, multiple sensors deliver deeper insights into launch dynamics and flight characteristics, unlocking new opportunities for athletes to refine their techniques. For spectators, this data is presented in an accessible visual format, enriching their understanding of the sport and highlighting the remarkable skills of the athletes.
This collaboration embodies TDK’s long-term vision, TDK Transformation, and its brand identity, “In Everything, Better.” Through co-creation with partners, and under the concept of “TDK Sensing Within,” the company aims to apply its sensor technology to products and solutions that drive both athletic innovation and broader social transformation.
TDK has supported World Athletics as an official partner since 1983 and remains committed to advancing sports through its technologies. Guided by its corporate motto, “Contribute to culture and industry through creativity,” TDK continues to innovate toward a sustainable future—transforming itself while helping customers worldwide grow.
Comments on the Collaboration
World Athletics CIO, Mr. An:
“TDK has been a valued partner of World Athletics for over 40 years. We are delighted to see this collaboration realized for the first time. Sensor technology is highly compatible with athletics, and I believe it has enormous potential to make athletes’ movements and efforts visible as data.”
TDK Project Team:
“Through extensive discussions and experiments with World Athletics, our understanding of the javelin throw—a new challenge for TDK—has deepened. We are pleased that our sensor technology can capture and visualize data that was previously invisible. We will continue to refine our work and help transform the sport.”
About TDK Corporation
TDK Corporation (TSE:6762) is a global technology company and innovation leader in the electronics industry, based in Tokyo, Japan. With the tagline “In Everything, Better” TDK aims to realize a better future across all aspects of life, industry, and society. For over 90 years, TDK has shaped the world from within; from the pioneering ferrite cores to cassette tapes that defined an era, to powering the digital age with advanced components, sensors, and batteries, leading the way towards a more sustainable future. United by TDK Venture Spirit, a start-up mentality built on visions, courage and mutual trust, TDK’s passionate team members around the globe pursue better—for ourselves, customers, partners, and the world. Today, the state-of-the-art technologies of TDK are in everything, from industrial applications, energy systems, electric vehicles, to smartphones and gaming, at the core of modern life. TDK’s comprehensive, innovative-driven portfolio includes cutting-edge passive components, sensors and sensor systems, power supplies, lithium-ion and solid-state batteries, magnetic heads, AI and enterprise software solutions, and more—featuring numerous market-leading products. These are marketed under the product brands TDK, EPCOS, InvenSense, Micronas, Tronics, TDK-Lambda, TDK SensEI, and ATL. Positioning the AI ecosystem as a key strategic area, TDK leverages its global network across the automotive, information and communication technology, and industrial equipment sectors to expand its business in a wide range of fields. In fiscal 2025, TDK posted total sales of USD 14.4 billion and employed about 105,000 people worldwide.
