STMicroelectronics (ST), a global semiconductor company, is improving automotive safety and user experience simultaneously through mass production of in-vehicle sensing systems.

ST announced on the 20th that it has started mass production of an advanced in-cabin sensing system with Tobii, a global leader in eye tracking technology, targeting premium European car manufacturers.

The commercialized system is a single-camera-based solution that combines ST's high-performance image sensor and Tobii's Attention Computing technology, providing high-quality wide-angle imaging in both daytime and nighttime environments.

It supports both the Driver Monitoring System (DMS) and the Occupant Monitoring System (OMS) simultaneously, and precisely detects human presence and actions through a wide field of view covering the entire interior of the vehicle and RGB/IR sensing functions.

“This groundbreaking system is more than just a technology; it’s a vision,” said Adrian Capata, Senior Vice President of Tobii Autosense. “Working with ST has delivered a balanced solution that addresses both safety and user experience.”; he said.

“Through our close collaboration with Tobii, we have developed next-generation sensing technology with applications across the automotive industry,” said Alexandre Balmefrezol, Executive Vice President and General Manager of ST’s Imaging Subgroup. “We are rapidly scaling up our production capacity to meet high-volume production demands.”

The system is based on ST's VD1940 image sensor.

The sensor features a 5.1MP hybrid pixel design that simultaneously detects RGB (color) and IR (infrared) light, and is part of ST's functional safety and cybersecurity platform, SafeSense by ST.

As an Integrated Device Manufacturer (IDM), ST directly manages the entire process from design to manufacturing, and secures supply stability through sensors produced in its own fabs in Europe.

Tobi currently implements its sensing technology in over 160 vehicle models, providing DMS and OMS capabilities to vehicles on the road.