STMicroelectronics NPU-Accelerated STM32 Microcontrollers Boost Edge AI Development

STMicroelectronics is making embedded artificial intelligence (AI) on-device widely available with its new STM32 microcontroller series. These new NPU-accelerated microcontrollers, which have been available to selected companies since October 2023 and are now available in high volumes, integrate accelerated machine-learning (ML) capabilities for the first time. This makes it possible to run computer vision, audio processing, sound analysis and more directly in low-power, cost-sensitive products.

STMicroelectronics introduced the first result of its strategic collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies to simplify development of next-generation STM32-based wireless solutions. The new ST67W611M1 modules combine Wi-Fi6, Bluetooth 5.3 and Thread connectivity to accelerate development of advanced consumer wireless solutions. Applications in home audio and smart home, powered by edge AI are a natural use case.

STMicroelectronics continues to expand its solutions for embedded AI developers and data scientists with a new, industry-first set of tools and services to get edge AI technology on the market faster and with less complexity by aiding hardware and software decision-making. The STM32Cube.AI Developer Cloud opens access to an extensive suite of online development tools built around the industry-leading STM32 family of microcontrollers (MCUs). Benefits include access to online service to benchmark edge-AI models on STM32 boards.

STMicroelectronics and Sensory have announced a collaboration that will enable the STM32 microcontroller (MCU) user community to develop and prototype intuitive voice-based user interfaces for a wide range of smart embedded products. The STM32 MCUs pair with Sensory’s VoiceHub technology to streamline development of voice-based user interfaces on wearables, connected devices and smart home applications.

Global semiconductor powerhouse STMicroelectronics announced the availability of Version 3 of NanoEdge AI Studio, the first major upgrade of this software tool for machine-learning applications that ST acquired with Cartesiam earlier this year. The updates introduce new algorithms, better support for sensor data acquisition and management using an ST development board, and an enhanced user interface to make machine-learning implementation easier for embedded developers with no data-science skills.