Xsens and STMicroelectronics demonstrate wearable wireless 3D body-motion tracking

Xsens and STMicroelectronics are demonstrating wearable wireless 3D body-motion tracking based on consumer-grade MEMS combo sensors at Electronica 2012 in Munich, Germany. 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 motion-MEMS technology to showcase Xsens' strategy to leverage IP originally developed for the professional market 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 products for 3D body motion tracking. "Xsens' unique 3D body motion tracking technology will help our customers innovate … 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," said Benedetto Vigna, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Analog, MEMS and Sensors Group, STMicroelectronics. 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 is on view from November 13 to November 16 at Electronica 2012 in Munich at STMicroelectronics Hall A5 Stand 207. ST Microelectronics Xsens