STMicroelectronics has launched the 2012 iNEMO Design Contest. The contest invites final-year engineering students from the National University of Singapore and the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) to develop innovative applications using ST’s award-winning iNEMO smart multi-sensor technology.

ST's iNEMO is a unique evaluation and development tool that offers up to 10 degrees of freedom, using combinations of 3-axis linear acceleration, 3-axis angular rate and 3-axis motion sensing through a magnetic field, together with barometric/altitude readings, managed by an STM32 32-bit microcontroller. MEMS sensing technology is one of the fastest growing segments of the semiconductor industry and has become ubiquitous in cars, smartphones, gaming devices and many IT products. The integration of multiple sensors with processing capabilities, dedicated sensor-fusion and application software and wireless connectivity in a single platform enables leaps in functionality and performance in a wide variety of applications, including Gaming, Human Machine Interface, Robotics, Portable Navigation Devices, and Patient Monitoring.

Patrick Boulaud, STMicroelectronics Regional Vice President, Analog, MEMS and Sensor, Greater China and South Asia Region stated that the sensing technology has enabled your smartphone to know your movements and is the technology responsible for the physical excitement of motion-based video games. Sensors have the potential to augment many aspects of human and technology interaction, particularly in quality-of-life enhancement. They are challenging these students to think out-of-the-box and create new applications in lifestyle, recreation, healthcare and wellness, using the most advanced sensor technology available today.

The iNEMO Design Contest will run in parallel to the final-year project of participating students. ST will sponsor the iNEMO boards, documentation, software drivers, and technical support, as well as cover 3rd-party costs for the projects. The students will submit their projects to the contest for judging in May 2013. The iNEMO Design Contest offers a top prize of SGD10,000 to the winning team, evaluated on functionality, practicality, implementation, creativity, presentation and final demonstration.

As a one-stop MEMS supplier offering a comprehensive portfolio of micro-machined accelerometers, gyroscopes, digital compasses, pressure sensors, iNEMO inertial modules and microphones, ST announced its shipment of two billion MEMS sensors in February 2012. ST is the world’s top MEMS manufacturer and the largest supplier of MEMS for consumer and portable applications, according to IHS iSuppli.