STMicroelectronics Launches AI-Powered Human Presence Detection to Enhance Security and Cut Energy Use in Laptops and PCs

STMicroelectronics Launches AI-Powered Human Presence Detection to Enhance Security and Cut Energy Use in Laptops and PCs

(IN BRIEF) STMicroelectronics has introduced a fifth-generation Human Presence Detection solution for laptops, PCs, and monitors that significantly reduces daily power consumption by over 20% while enhancing user security and privacy. The solution integrates ST’s VL53L8CP FlightSense multizone Time-of-Flight sensor with proprietary AI algorithms to enable features such as Adaptive Screen Dimming, Walk-Away Lock, and Multi-Person Detection. The AI system was trained through extensive global data collection and supports advanced functions like gesture recognition, posture monitoring, and head orientation detection—all without capturing images. Designed as a complete, ready-to-deploy package for OEMs, the technology offers a privacy-first, low-power solution that seamlessly fits into modern PC ecosystems.

(PRESS RELEASE) GENEVA, 18-Jun-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — STMicroelectronics, a global leader in semiconductor innovation, has launched a cutting-edge Human Presence Detection (HPD) solution designed to significantly enhance energy efficiency, user security, and privacy in laptops, monitors, and accessories. This breakthrough technology, which combines the company’s industry-leading FlightSense™ Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensors with custom AI algorithms, offers more than a 20% daily reduction in power consumption while delivering an intuitive, hands-free user experience.

This latest advancement builds on the successful integration of ST’s FlightSense technology into over 260 PC and laptop models in recent years. With the introduction of this turnkey fifth-generation solution, OEMs can now easily deploy a ready-made platform that requires no additional software or hardware development. The platform centers on the VL53L8CP multizone ToF sensor and is supported by a proprietary suite of AI models for detecting presence, multiple users, head orientation, posture, and hand gestures.

“Our new HPD solution pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in user-device interaction,” said Alexandre Balmefrezol, Executive Vice President and General Manager of ST’s Imaging Sub-Group. “Thanks to the integration of AI and sensor technology, we’re creating smarter, more energy-efficient devices that prioritize both user privacy and seamless interaction.”

The new HPD solution delivers standout features such as Adaptive Screen Dimming, which dims the display when the user looks away—conserving power without disrupting workflow. Meanwhile, Walk-Away Lock and Wake-on-Attention functions lock and unlock the device based on the user’s presence, bolstering both convenience and security. The Multi-Person Detection capability alerts users when someone is nearby or peering over their shoulder, enhancing on-screen data protection.

With growing demand for 3D sensing in consumer tech—now expanding from mobile phones to robotics, laptops, AR/VR gear, and drones—the ToF market is booming. According to Yole Group’s Florian Domengie, revenue from ToF modules reached $2.2 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $3.8 billion by 2030 at a 9.5% CAGR. ST’s compact and power-efficient 8×8 dToF sensors are positioned to drive new applications and enrich existing user experiences.

The AI powering this solution was meticulously trained over months using data collected globally, including volunteer-contributed movement and posture logs. The resulting suite of neural networks—Presence AI, Head Orientation AI, Posture AI, and Hand Posture AI—enable accurate detection and decision-making using only low-resolution depth data, thereby reducing processing power needs and maximizing energy efficiency.

Crucially, the system enhances privacy without requiring image capture, avoiding the use of traditional webcams. The VL53L8CP sensor ensures no visual data is processed or stored, making it ideal for users concerned with confidentiality and security. In addition, the AI-based algorithms can be effortlessly integrated into existing PC sensor hubs, thanks to their low-power and compact design.

The Human Presence Detection solution represents a significant step forward in the intersection of AI, energy efficiency, and user privacy. With this ready-to-use package, STMicroelectronics empowers OEMs to bring next-generation smart features to market faster, more securely, and with lower environmental impact.

To learn more about the VL53L8CP sensor and ST’s HPD technology, visit STMicroelectronics Time-of-Flight Sensors.

About STMicroelectronics
At ST, we are 50,000 creators and makers of semiconductor technologies mastering the semiconductor supply chain with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. An integrated device manufacturer, we work with more than 200,000 customers and thousands of partners to design and build products, solutions, and ecosystems that address their challenges and opportunities, and the need to support a more sustainable world. Our technologies enable smarter mobility, more efficient power and energy management, and the wide-scale deployment of cloud-connected autonomous things. We are on track to be carbon neutral in all direct and indirect emissions (scopes 1 and 2), product transportation, business travel, and employee commuting emissions (our scope 3 focus), and to achieve our 100% renewable electricity sourcing goal by the end of 2027.

Further information can be found at www.st.com

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SOURCE: STMicroelectronics