STMicroelectronics, a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, is making embedded artificial intelligence (AI) truly here to help with a new microcontroller series integrating, for the first time, accelerated machine learning (ML) capabilities. This enables cost-sensitive, power-conscious consumer and industrial products to provide high-performance features leveraging computer vision, audio processing, sound analysis, and other algorithms, until now beyond the capabilities of small embedded systems.The STM32N6 microcontroller (MCU) series is ST's most powerful to date and the first to embed ST's proprietary neural processing unit (NPU), the Neural-ART Accelerator, delivering 600 times more machine-learning performance than a high-end STM32 MCU today. The STM32N6 has been available to selected customers since October 2023 and is now ready to be offered in high volumes."We are on the verge of a significant transformation at the tiny edge. This transformation involves the increasing augmentation or replacement of our customers' workloads by AI models. Currently, these models are used for tasks such as segmentation, classification, and recognition. In the future, they will be applied to new applications yet to be developed," said Remi El-Ouazzane, President, Microcontrollers, Digital ICs and RF Products Group (MDRF) at STMicroelectronics. "The STM32N6 is the first STM32 product to feature our Neural-ART Accelerator NPU. It will utilize a new release of our unique AI software ecosystem package. This marks the beginning of a long journey of AI hardware-accelerated STM32, which will enable innovations in applications and products in ways not possible with any other embedded processing solution.""It is a common misconception that AI is purely a big data center, power-hungry application," says Tom Hackenberg, Principal Analyst, Memory and Computing Group at Yole Group. "This is no longer true. Today's IoT edge applications are hungry for the kind of analytics that AI can provide. The STM32N6 is a great example of the new trend melding energy-efficient Microcontroller workloads with the power of AI analytics to provide computer vision and mass sensor-driven performance capable of great savings in the total cost of ownership in modern equipment."Comments on STM32N6 from early customersLG is a multinational corporation known for its electronics, chemicals, and telecommunications products, including smartphones, home appliances, and televisions."The STM32N6 delivers remarkable AI performance and provides excellent flexibility in a small silicon package ideal for embedded systems and wearable devices. The inference speed, powered by the groundbreaking Neural-ART Accelerator, has exceeded our expectations and ST's developer-friendly software tools let us seamlessly integrate our AI models into the MCU."Yehan Ahn, Task Leader, R&D, LG Electronics CTO DivisionLenovo Research is the innovation and research arm of Lenovo, focused on developing cutting-edge technologies and solutions in areas such as artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing, and smart devices."We have rigorously evaluated ST's latest microcontroller, STM32N6, in our labs, noting its outstanding neural processing performance and excellent power efficiency. This microcontroller represents the beginning of a new era, accelerating our research of "AI for All" technologies at the edge."Seiichi Kawano, Principal Researcher, Lenovo ResearchAlps Alpine is a multinational corporation producing electronic devices, automotive infotainment systems, and communication devices."The new STM32N6 is ideal for our innovative cycling-related products. The speed and efficiency of the Neural-ART Accelerator, combined with extensive peripheral device expandability, lets us create compact devices that can execute many sensor-based AI inferences and deliver diverse and enhanced user experiences."Christian Fuchs, Senior Project Leader, Alps AlpineCarlo Gavazzi designs and manufactures electronic control components for the global building and industrial automation markets."The STM32N6 was the missing piece in the puzzle for our latest sensor project. Its Neural-ART Accelerator inspired us to use AI to solve some of the challenges, which we had not considered possible during the conceptualization phase. There are many further powerful features, including the MIPI-CSI Raw12 interface and Arm Cortex-M55 core, which combine to provide camera and response time capabilities that no other trusted brand can offer. Access to this latest, high-quality technology is essential for our development of the high-performance industrial sensors of tomorrow."Allan Skou Thomsen, R&D Project Leader, Carlo GavazziMeta-bounds is a leading innovator in the consumer-level AR glasses industry."The STM32N6 has been a breakthrough microcontroller for our products with its high performance, power efficiency, and advanced features. The embedded Neural-ART Accelerator, enhanced camera interfaces, and dedicated Image Signal Processor (ISP) allow us to deliver compelling features in an ultra-lightweight and compact form factor, enhancing the user experience without compromising battery life. The support from STMicroelectronics ensured a smooth development process – invaluable for companies like ours looking to enhance wearable technology with cutting-edge AI and graphics capabilities."Dr. Zhou Xing, Founding Partner of Meta-boundsAutotrak delivers first-class fleet management and stolen vehicle recovery solutions."In the trucking industry in South Africa, around 60% of fatal accidents are blamed on drivers being too tired behind the wheel. The STM32N6 could make a major impact on those numbers. By allowing fast and efficient AI inference within the vehicle we can give a real-time audible warning to the driver to prevent an upcoming incident. It can literally save lives."Gavin Leask, Engineering Director, AutotrakTechnical features and support for AI development:Up to 600x machine-learning performance vs typical high-end STM32 MCU: ST's Neural-ART Accelerator includes nearly 300 configurable multiply-accumulate units achieving up to 600 giga operations per second (GOPS). The most powerful STM32 today: The STM32N6 has an 800 MHz Arm® Cortex®-M55 core, delivering an unprecedented 3,360 CoreMark score. The MCUs are also available in a version without the Neural-ART accelerator, for applications requiring all the performance, interfaces, and functionality of the STM32N6, without integrating advanced AI algorithms. 2 MB of RAM, the largest amount ever found on an STM32: providing the memory to support the data-intensive AI and multimedia workloads. Two 64-bit AXI interfaces provide a high level of bandwidth to sustain the highest computation rate and unlock the full power of the Neural-ART Accelerator. ST advanced Image Signal Processor (ISP), for the first time on an MCU: the STM32N6 incorporates an ISP that provides direct signal processing, enabling the use of simple and affordable image sensors. This ISP can be configured using ST's free ISP IQTune software (STM32-ISP-IQTune), a cutting-edge tool that permits customizing image signal processing parameters such as exposure time, contrast, or color balance. Supported by ST's Edge AI Suite: offering comprehensive software tools for the development of edge machine-learning applications, including the possibility to bring your own model in various formats such as TensorFlow Lite, Keras, and ONNX. The new microcontroller now supports a growing model zoo of AI models, offering enhanced performance and versatility for various applications. Users can explore the expanding collection of AI models to elevate their projects, achieve better results, and shorten their time to market. More technical information is available at st.com/STM32N6.STM32 is a registered and/or unregistered trademark of STMicroelectronics International NV or its affiliates in the EU and/or elsewhere. In particular, STM32 is registered in the US Patent and Trademark Office.About STMicroelectronicsAt ST, we are over 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 committed to achieving our goal to become carbon neutral on scope 1 and 2 and partially scope 3 by 2027. Further information can be found at www.st.com.

As the world gradually enters an era of aging populations, the demand for healthcare resources is rapidly increasing. Coupled with labor shortages caused by declining birth rates, this has become a challenge faced by many countries.Founded in 2018, Taiwan-based startup StreamTeck is leveraging millimeter-wave radar technology combined with IoT solutions to develop a non-contact physiological monitoring system for chronic patients and the elderly. The goal is to alleviate the pressure on nursing staff while avoiding the inconvenience and discomfort associated with traditional monitoring devices.The company's first product, SmartCaring T60 Intelligent Remote Care System, has already received Taiwan FDA Class II medical device certification, and its market outlook is promising."The other co-founder of the company and I both experienced situations where elderly family members needed healthcare, which led us to hope for more effective technological solutions," said Ken Hsieh, Co-Founder of StreamTeck. They also heard from the nephrologists that many chronic kidney disease patients undergoing dialysis, which lasts three to four hours, resist or refuse to use traditional wired physiological monitoring devices, due to discomfort or inconvenience.Additionally, nursing staff shortages made it difficult to respond promptly to patients' emergencies. All these were the driving forces behind the founding of StreamTeck.Based on 60GHz MmWave and Proprietary AI AlgorithmsStreamTeck's solution is based on high-precision 60GHz millimeter-wave radar and infrared sensors, including the hardware, proprietary AI algorithms, and applications installed on PC or mobile devices.A wireless monitoring device installed above the hospital bed collects data on vital signs, including the patient's breathing, heart rate, and body temperature. The data is transmitted via Wi-Fi and processed by StreamTeck's AI algorithms. If any data anomaly or incidents, such as a patient fall, are detected, the system immediately triggers an alert, allowing medical staff to respond to emergencies in real-time.Hsieh said that compared to traditional monitoring devices, the non-contact monitoring method significantly enhances patients' comfort, especially in environments like dialysis centers, isolation wards, or palliative care units, where minimizing personnel contact is crucial. At the same time, this system greatly reduces the burden on medical staff.StreamTeck possesses strong technical capabilities and can provide customized solutions to meet various needs, whether in hardware or software development, terminal system deployment, or AI model optimization.TFDA Certified and Successfully Entered HealthcareHsieh previously worked in the electronics industry, where servers, laptops, and consumer devices could be mass-produced as soon as they passed the testing process. However, the medical field requires a strict certification process for product specifications and quality, it's a significant challenge for startups.Any medical device must meet stringent standards on both hardware and software, and the manufacturing process also has to get an official certification. Additionally, extensive clinical trials are required in collaboration with hospitals. For a startup team with no medical background, this poses a completely new challenge.With confidence in their technology, StreamTeck persistently submitted testing applications and, in the meantime actively worked closely with medical institutions. After a challenging process spanning a year and a half, they became the first company in Taiwan to receive TFDA certification for mmWave technology, successfully entering the medical market.Enhancing Tech Strength and Expanding Globally with PartnersObtaining the official certification of medical devices is just the first step for StreamTeck. Hsieh said that the company will continue to enhance its solutions, aiming for non-contact blood pressure monitoring and more accurate patient posture assessment.StreamTeck's system has been implemented in over ten large teaching hospitals and public regional hospitals in Taiwan, such as Tri-Service General Hospital, Mackay Memorial Hospital, and Taipei City Hospital. Additionally, through collaboration with the Industrial Technology Research Institute, the SmartCaring Intelligent Remote Care System is being introduced into long-term care facilities, with plans to expand services into the home healthcare market.By collaborating with ecosystem partners like Intel to participate in global smart healthcare exhibitions actively, StreamTeck is extending its reach into international markets. The company has established a presence in the United States, and its products are currently undergoing FDA certification.Additionally, medical institutions in Southeast Asia have expressed strong interest in the company's system. Looking ahead, StreamTeck is confident in its plans to gradually expand its market footprint and hopes its technology will benefit a wider user.StreamTeck's SmartCaring T60 Intelligent Remote Care System

Valtec AI, a tech startup co-founded by John Keh, has recently gained significant attention for its innovative use of artificial intelligence (AI) and drones in the fishing industry. The company's technological approach targets a market traditionally underserved by modern tech solutions—commercial fishing vessels.Keh graduated from UC Berkeley and later joined the U.S. Air Force, where he gained extensive experience in geospatial analysis and drone applications. During his service, he was stationed in South Korea and the Middle East, completing over 250 missions. After leaving the military, he transitioned into the startup world. Over the past decade, he has had successful experiences as a serial entrepreneur. During the pandemic, he found his way back to Taiwan with his family and, by chance, shifted his military drone operations expertise toward fishing applications.Game-Changing Solution for Commercial FishingCommercial fishing is a high-stakes, high-reward industry where efficiency in locating and capturing fish can mean millions of dollars in revenue per vessel. Traditionally, fishing vessels use helicopters to locate schools of tuna within a 100-kilometer radius. "The helicopters are very high maintenance, very cumbersome to take care of, and it takes up a lot of space. Not only are drones cheaper, but with multiple drones, you can now search 3 to 5 times the area, reducing your time to catch, thereby saving a lot more gas from the ship," Keh said.Valtec AI's drones are particularly tailored for purse-seine fishing vessels, a type of ship that targets tuna schools. The company's core technology allows for multi-drone command and control, as well as AI-powered object identification. Their system can operate several drones simultaneously, collecting real-time data about fish locations, estimated sizes, and even environmental factors like the current direction, which can tear fishing nets. By eliminating the need for helicopters, Valtec AI's drones reduce operational costs and risks while improving search efficiency.In terms of competition, Valtec AI's primary rivals are helicopter companies, but the company's technology is likened to the replacement of horses by cars. The advantages in cost, safety, and efficiency make drones a clear disruptor in the market. Moreover, as the fishing industry deals in a commodity (tuna), any tool that improves yield and efficiency is likely to be rapidly adopted across the board, making Valtec AI a strong player in the space.A Service-Based Business ModelValtec AI operates on a service-based business model, providing a "system as a service." This includes not only the drones and software but also ground control stations and operators. The company's revenue stream is built on offering an all-in-one service, reducing the burden on fishing vessels to maintain and operate their drone systems independently."We buy the drones from the hardware providers, then provide the drones to the fishing vessels, to our customers, and provide the software, provide that ground control station that handles the whole system. We even provide an operator," Keh said. "We're creating a new profession. Originally there were no drone operators on fishing vessels or boats. Now we will provide the trained personnel to be able to operate our system and the multi-drone capability, and that way the customer does not have to worry about if this drone breaks or whatever."Valtec AI's drones have already been deployed to gather data from fishing vessels in Taiwan and the Philippines, with plans to expand globally. Keh emphasizes the potential to scale this system as more fishing companies see the clear cost and time savings from drone adoption. By cutting down the time required at sea from one month to two weeks, Valtec AI's system can significantly boost revenue for fishing companies, turning what is typically a slow, labor-intensive process into a streamlined operation.Future Expansion and Strategic FocusWhile the current focus is on the fishing industry, Keh sees future applications in other maritime industries, such as surveillance for shipping. However, the company is cautious about entering more complex sectors like defense, where factors such as weight limitations and operational range present new challenges for drone technology.In the short term, Valtec AI aims to perfect its solution for the fishing industry, expanding its customer base and proving its value proposition. The company recently closed a $2 million seed round, with investments facilitated through its close connections with Taiwan's startup ecosystem, including investment from Spark Labs Taiwan. The funds will help Valtec AI deploy its technology on 40 vessels of current customers, focusing on proving the system's effectiveness in reducing fishing time and increasing revenue for them.Valtec AI revolutionizes commercial fishing with drone and AI technologies