The IEEE Sensors 2024 conference in Kobe, Japan, in October, featured a Biosensors Workshop led by STMicroelectronics. This event brought together industry leaders like DuPont, Datwyler, Turingsense, Neurobrave, Lenovo, and trinamiX, along with research institutions such as ETH Zurich and Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna.
It was an opportunity to share edge advancements in sensor and electrode technology, focusing on miniaturization, flexibility, and biocompatibility. The workshop highlighted the revolutionary potential of body sensing technologies for Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), capturing bio-signals such as muscle activity, brain waves, eye movements, voice, gestures, and skin properties. Key applications discussed included prosthetics control, virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, gaming, robotics, and rehabilitation.
State-of-the-Art technology in this sector
Many companies are offering technologies and products in the field of biosensing and bio-signal acquisition for advanced HMI. The core of body sensing often involves analog signals, and competitors have already launched various analog front-end devices designed to capture human biopotentials.
What is ST’s positioning?
Among many of its own technologies and products that can address the HMI market, ST has defined a unique solution for body sensing that relies on its strong maturity and experience in MEMS sensors. Recently, ST launched a new category of MEMS sensors called “biosensors” that embed a vertical analog front-end (vAFE) for bio-signals and a motion MEMS, expanding the range of applications beyond the usual target market segments of MEMS sensors.
This solution is offered in two variants:
- ST1VAFE3BX: based on a vAFE for bio-signals merged with an ultralow power accelerometer with AI and antialiasing.
- ST1VAFE6AX: merges a vAFE with a 6-axis inertial measurement unit featuring sensor fusion and AI.
For instance, Pison is working at the frontiers of this sector and has quickly adopted the new sensor to drive the development of a wristband for cognitive assessment. More in general, in this domain, ST is developing new biosensors that bridge the analog world to digital, addressing the demand for HMI, and even other applications.
As examples, in collaboration with DuPont Liveo, ST is developing a cardio monitoring biosensing platform for the analysis of patient physiological status, and, in collaboration with CEA-Leti, ST is working on a long-term wearable sweat analysis system. Both these projects rely on the innovative ST biosensors as vAFE featured MEMS sensors.
The ST ecosystem
ST is working with several partners to offer reference designs to customers that will enable a fast introduction of new HMI-oriented technologies and products in consumer electronics, transportation, robotics, industrial, and healthcare sectors. The workshop held in Kobe was an opportunity to dedicate one day to understanding the state-of-the-art, facing technological challenges, sharing ideas, and finding new opportunities for cooperation and collaboration.
Advancements in biopotential detection technology by Datwyler
Since 2018, Datwyler has been actively developing and commercializing electrodes for biopotential detection under the trade name SoftPulse®. These SoftPulse® electrodes are designed specifically for wearable applications, offering enhanced comfort and the ability to conduct biopotential measurements without the need for skin preparation or additional gels. The SoftPulse® technology allows for complete customization of electrode designs, facilitating seamless integration across a variety of wearable form factors while supporting both small-scale and mass production.
In the past 12 months, they have concentrated their efforts on creating tailored SoftPulse® designs for specific applications in smart glasses, wristbands, and hearables. Throughout this development, Datwyler has validated the functionality of these customized electrodes, demonstrating clear advantages and potential future applications for biofeedback integration within these devices.
ST and Datwyler are developing biosensors-based wristband prototypes for detecting electromyography signals, and smart helmet and in-ear demonstrators for detecting electroencephalography signals mostly oriented to the consumer market where joint experience can converge in making valuable solutions for next generation of wearable devices. During the workshop held in Kobe, Datwyler has presented the ST prototype for demonstrating the ability to detect electromyography signals by using SoftPulse® dome-shaped dry electrodes.
trinamiX’s pioneering efforts in face authentication and biomarker analysis technologies
trinamiX is actively engaged in the research of body sensing technologies for advanced human-machine interfaces. They have developed a novel face authentication solution that can differentiate between a real person and a fake, such as a print-out or a silicon mask, by analyzing the reflection of projected laser dots using their proprietary technology called Beam Profile Analysis. Their roadmap includes further developments in this field.
trinamiX is taking two complementary approaches to advance their initiatives:
- Contactless secure authentication, skin health assessment, and vital sign monitoring using trinamiX Beam Profile Analysis, which employs a standard GS CMOS sensor and a tailor-made 940 nm laser projector.
- Contact-based biomarker analysis, such as body hydration, blood alcohol, and lactate measurement through non-invasive optical NIR spectroscopy.
Their R&D efforts are focused on integrating these technologies into various consumer electronics, with a particular emphasis on smartphones and laptops. Additionally, trinamiX is exploring automotive applications, such as car interiors and B-pillars, to expand the use of their technologies in the automotive industry.
ETH Zurich’s advanced research and future developments in energy-efficient intelligent body sensing technologies
ETH Zurich’s research focuses on cutting-edge advancements in energy-efficient and intelligent body sensing technologies, aligning with their mission to innovate and contribute to the broader scientific and technological community. Their initiatives include exploring novel sensor designs, advanced signal processing algorithms, and the integration of AI to enhance functionality and reduce power consumption. In the medium and long term, ETH Zurich aims to enable seamless human-machine interaction by creating sustainable and autonomous systems capable of operating in diverse environments. Their research efforts are primarily concentrated on wearables and autonomous robotic systems. They are developing technologies that enable real-time interaction, adaptability, and autonomy, ensuring these devices can meet the demands of next-generation human-machine interfaces. During the workshop, they brought their novel intelligent bracelet for real time gesture recognition with 90% accuracy.
ETH is collaborating with ST in multiple projects such as In-ear PPG applications for computing SpO2 and pulse rate, AI based processing of sweat sensor data including glucose concentration, and hands gesture recognition based on ST1VAFE3BX as well. This latter was presented during the workshop focused on HMI held in Kobe.
Future developments in body sensing
The body sensing technology domain is set for significant advancements, driven by STMicroelectronics and the broader industry. The demand for technologies and components to make the interaction with the advanced functionalities offered by new devices more intuitive is strongly increasing, especially in consumer electronics.
Here are some key future developments that represent a point of convergence in the HMI domain:
- Miniaturization and integration: efforts to reduce sensor size and combine multiple sensing capabilities into compact, discreet devices.
- Biocompatibility: development of safe, flexible, and durable materials for long-term use on or within the human body.
- AI and signal processing: leveraging artificial intelligence to improve the accuracy and reliability of bio-signal interpretation, providing real-time feedback and predictive insights.
- Wireless and battery-free solutions: innovations in energy harvesting and wireless communication to create autonomous, maintenance-free sensors.
- Healthcare applications: expanding uses in medical diagnostics, remote patient monitoring, and personalized healthcare.
- Enhanced user interfaces: integrating body sensing into consumer electronics, gaming, and virtual/augmented reality for more intuitive interactions.
- Collaborative ecosystem: building partnerships with academic institutions, research organizations, and industry players to drive innovation and standardization.
These developments aim to improve human-machine interactions and revolutionize healthcare, wellness, and everyday experiences.
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