Date: 12/01/2012

STMicroelectronics employs MEMS to digitally model human motion

STMicroelectronics has unveiled a smart suit prototype with sewn-in new multi-sensor ST iNEMO motion co-processor that recognize complex movements of the wearer's body and translate them to a digital model with outstanding precision and speed. The iBMR, iNEMO Body Motion Reconstruction technology could improve outcomes in clinical and sports medicine applications, as well as enhancing augmented reality where users could, for example, jog side by side with the world champion on their local running track.

Miniature iNEMO multi-sensor nodes are attached on each arm, forearm, thigh, calf, and two on the back; additional nodes can be mounted on hands, on shoes or on the head. ST has integrated its motion and magnetic MEMS sensors with a 32-bit STM32 microcontroller and exclusive software in one miniaturized solderable module with a form factor (13x13x2 mm).

ST says its sophisticated data fusion software, each iNEMO smart sensor node represents one of the smallest and highest performance Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS) modules developed for the market. All nodes send their data to the control unit, which applies the measurements to a graphical skeleton model and displays body motions in real time.

ST claims extensive tests with realistic, complex human body motions have proven the outstanding precision and speed of ST's body-motion reconstruction suit, with deviation in spatial accuracy below 0.5 degrees during movements and the time needed to process and apply the sensor data to the skeleton model less than 15 milliseconds.

Samples of the iNEMO motion co-processor are available now.