STMicroelectronics introduces advanced Human Presence Detection solution to enhance laptop and PC user experience
- New HPD solution reduces power consumption by more than 20% per day through adaptive screen dimming
- Technology already proven with integration in over 260 laptop and PC models
- Strong market growth potential with ToF market projected to reach $3.8B by 2030 (9.5% CAGR)
- Ready-to-use turnkey solution requires no additional development from OEMs
- Enhanced privacy features without relying on camera-based solutions
- None.
Insights
ST's new Human Presence Detection tech combines ToF sensors with AI, potentially expanding their market share in the growing $3.8B ToF sector.
STMicroelectronics has unveiled a sophisticated Human Presence Detection (HPD) solution for laptops and PCs that represents a significant advancement in the company's sensor technology portfolio. The system combines their proprietary FlightSense Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensors with AI algorithms to deliver over 20% daily power consumption reduction while enhancing security and privacy features.
This 5th generation solution builds upon ST's established position in the laptop segment, where their FlightSense technology has already been integrated into more than 260 laptop and PC models. The market timing is strategic - according to Yole Group, ToF modules generated
The technical implementation is particularly noteworthy. The solution is based on the VL53L8CP sensor - an 8x8 multizone ToF sensor - paired with proprietary AI algorithms that enable advanced features like adaptive screen dimming, walk-away lock/wake functions, and multi-person detection. What makes this compelling for OEMs is that it's a turnkey solution requiring minimal integration effort, potentially accelerating adoption.
From a competitive standpoint, ST has created differentiation through their AI development process, which involved thousands of data logs, four global data capture campaigns, and 25 solution releases over a year. The company has effectively transformed what was once a complex technology requiring high-resolution cameras into a solution that can detect head orientation using just 8x8 pixels of distance data.
For PC manufacturers looking to extend battery life and enhance security features, this represents a compelling component that adds meaningful functionality while addressing privacy concerns (since it doesn't capture images like camera-based alternatives). This innovation aligns with broader industry trends toward energy efficiency and AI-enhanced user experiences in consumer electronics.
STMicroelectronics introduces advanced Human Presence Detection solution to enhance laptop and PC user experience
- New technology delivers more than
20% power consumption reduction per day in addition to improved security and privacy - ST solution combines market leading Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensors and unique AI algorithms for a seamless user experience
Geneva, Switzerland, June 17, 2025 -- STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, introduces a new Human Presence Detection (HPD) technology for laptops, PCs, monitors and accessories, delivering more than
“Building on the integration of ST FlightSense technology in more than 260 laptops and PC models launched in recent years, we are looking forward to see our new HPD solution contributing to make devices more energy-efficient, secure, and user-friendly,” said Alexandre Balmefrezol, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Imaging Sub-Group at STMicroelectronics. “As AI and sensor technology continue to advance, with greater integration of both hardware and software, we can expect to see even more sophisticated and intuitive ways of interacting with our devices, and ST is best positioned to continue to lead this market trend.”
“Since 2023, 3D sensing in consumer applications has gained new momentum, driven by the demand for better user experiences, safety, personal robotics, spatial computing, and enhanced photography and streaming. Time-of-Flight (ToF) technology is expanding beyond smartphones and tablets into drones, robots, AR/VR headsets, home projectors, and laptops. In 2024, ToF modules generated
The 5th generation turnkey ST solution
By integrating hardware and software components by design, the new ST solution is a readily deployable system based on FlightSense 8x8 multizones Time-of-Flight sensor (VL53L8CP) complemented by proprietary AI-based algorithms enabling functionalities such as human presence detection, multi-person detection, and head orientation tracking. This integration creates a unique ready-to-use solution for OEMs that requires no additional development for them.
This 5th generation of sensors also integrates advanced features such as gesture recognition, hand posture recognition, and wellness monitoring through human posture analysis.
ST’s Human Presence Detection (HPD) solution enables enhanced features such as:
- Adaptive Screen Dimming tracks head orientation to dim the screen when the user isn’t looking, reducing power consumption by more than
20% . - Walk-Away Lock & Wake-on-Attention automatically locks the device when the user leaves and wakes up upon return, improving security and convenience.
- Multi-Person Detection alerts the user if someone is looking over their shoulder, enhancing privacy.
Tailored AI algorithm
STMicroelectronics has implemented a comprehensive AI-based development process that from data collection, labeling, cleaning, AI training and integration in a mass-market product. This effort relied on thousands of data-logs from diverse sources, including contributions from workers who uploaded personal seating and movement data over several months, enabling the continuous refinement of AI algorithms.
One significant achievement is the transformation of a Proof-Of-Concept (PoC) into a mature solution capable of detecting a laptop user's head orientation using only 8x8 pixels of distance data. This success was driven through a meticulous development process that included four global data capture campaigns, 25 solution releases over the course of a year, and rigorous quality control of AI training data. The approach also involved a tailored pre-processing method for VL53L8CP ranging data, and the design of four specialized AI networks: Presence AI, HOR (Head Orientation) AI, Posture AI, and Hand Posture AI. Central to this accomplishment was the VL53L8CP ToF sensor, engineered to optimize the Signal-To-Noise ratio (SNR) per zone, which played a critical role in advancing these achievements.
Enhanced user experience & privacy protection
The ToF sensor ensures complete user privacy without capturing images or relying on the camera, unlike previous versions of webcam-based solutions.
Adaptive Screen Dimming:
- Uses AI algorithms to analyze the user's head orientation. If the user is not looking at the screen, the system gradually dims the display to conserve power.
- Extends battery life by minimizing energy consumption.
- Optimizes for low power consumption with AI algorithms and can be seamlessly integrated into existing PC sensor hubs.
Walk-Away Lock (WAL) & Wake-on-Approach (WOA):
- The ToF sensor automatically locks the PC when the user moves away and wakes it upon their return, eliminating the need for manual interaction.
- This feature enhances security, safeguards sensitive data, and offers a seamless, hands-free user experience.
- Advanced filtering algorithms help prevent false triggers, ensuring the system remains unaffected by casual passerby.
Multi-Person Detection (MPD):
- The system detects multiple people in front of the screen and alerts the user if someone is looking over their shoulder.
- Enhances privacy by preventing unauthorized viewing of sensitive information.
- Advanced algorithms enable the system to differentiate between the primary user and other nearby individuals.
Technical highlights: VL53L8CP: ST FlightSense 8x8 multizones ToF sensor. https://www.st.com/en/imaging-and-photonics-solutions/time-of-flight-sensors.html
- AI-based: compact, low-power algorithms suitable for integration into PC sensor hubs.
- A complete ready-to-use solution includes hardware (ToF sensor) and software (AI algorithms).
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
Further information can be found at www.st.com.
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Attachments
- T4711D -- Jun 17 2025 -- Human Presence Detection for consumer devices_FINAL FOR PUBLICATION
- T4711D -- Jun 17 2025 -- Human Presence Detection for consumer devices_IMAGE
FAQ
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