Xsens, the leading innovator in 3D motion tracking technology and products, and STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications and the world's top manufacturer of Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS)1, are demonstrating the world's first wearable wireless 3D body motion tracking system based on consumer-grade MEMS combo sensors at Electronica 2012 in Munich, Germany.
Xsens and ST 3D Body Motion Tracking
Xsens built the demonstrator by combining Xsens' patented sensor-fusion algorithms and wireless protocols with STMicroelectronics' iNEMO-M1, the 9-axis "Smart System" combining iNEMO MEMS motion combo sensors and the STM32 microprocessor from ST.
The demonstrator leverages ST's industry-leading motion-MEMS technology to showcase Xsens' strategy to leverage IP originally developed for the professional market (B2B) in movement science and the movie industry. Having supplied the motion-capture technology for Hollywood productions such as Alice in Wonderland, Iron Man 2 and X-Men, Xsens is now reaching out to partners in consumer electronics to help create unique next-generation user experiences and solutions for 3D body motion tracking.
"After our tremendous success in adding better realism and functionality to gaming systems, smartphones and tablets through Motion MEMS, it's time to inspire and lead new emerging applications," said Benedetto Vigna, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Analog, MEMS and Sensors Group, STMicroelectronics. "Xsens' unique 3D body motion tracking technology will help our customers innovate and deliver new solutions to their customers in sports, fitness, healthcare and gaming. We are at the dawn of a new era for Motion MEMS and we want to extend our leadership."
Wearable wireless 3D body motion tracking will enable the next wave of innovation in cloud-connected wearable sports, fitness, healthcare and gaming sensor accessories for smartphones. "Real-time 3D body motion data enables the development of apps that can recognize and classify complex motions such as sports techniques by digitizing your exact movements for immediate feedback and live sharing of the performance. With over a decade of experience in developing value added applications based on MEMS motion sensors, we are uniquely positioned to enable our partners to take the lead in this new era for Motion MEMS," adds Per Slycke, CTO and founder, Xsens.
ABI Research, a market analyst, predicts that over the next five years, the total market for wearable wireless devices in sports and healthcare will grow to 169.5 million devices in 2017, up from 20.77 million in 2011.
The technology demonstrator can be viewed from November 13 to November 16 at the Electronica 2012 tradeshow in Munich at the STMicroelectronics booth #A5/207.