Tobii and STMicroelectronics Enter Mass Production of Breakthrough Interior Sensing Technology
Tobii, the global leader in eye tracking and pioneer of attention computing, together with STMicroelectronics a leading global semiconductor company serving a broad range of electronics applications, today announced the start of mass production of an advanced interior sensing system for a premium European car manufacturer. This milestone marks a significant step forward in redefining in-cabin safety, comfort, and user experience.
The new system integrates a wide field-of-view camera capable of performing reliably both in daylight and in low-light or nighttime conditions. It introduces next-generation driver and occupant monitoring capabilities, combining Tobii’s expertise in attention computing with STMicroelectronics’ advanced image sensor technologies. This collaboration aims to push the boundaries of intelligent in-cabin environments, paving the way for safer and more user-centric mobility.
A Share d Vision for Safety and Innovation
“We’re very proud to bring this groundbreaking system to life. This is more than just technology; it’s a vision,” said Adrian Capata, Senior Vice President of Tobii Autosense. “Image quality is critical, and thanks to our strong collaboration with ST, we’ve achieved a unique balance that allows a single-camera solution to meet rigorous safety standards while also unlocking enhanced user experiences. By combining visible and IR sensing, we’re enabling intelligent in-cabin environments that truly understand human presence, behavior, and context.”
STMicroelectronics echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of innovation and scalability. Alexandre Balmefrezol, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Imaging Sub-Group at STMicroelectronics, commented: “As a result of close collaboration with Tobii, we have created a new generation of interior sensing technology that is reliable, user-friendly, and ready for widespread adoption across the automotive industry. We are now rapidly expanding our production capacity to meet anticipated demand and ensure a smooth transition to mass manufacturing.”
Technical Highlights of the Interior Sensing System
At the heart of the system lies an integrated approach that allows automotive OEMs to equip vehicles with just one camera inside the cabin. This not only reduces complexity and costs for carmakers but also delivers one of the most efficient and mature solutions available on the market today.
The system combines Tobii’s advanced attention-computing algorithms with STMicroelectronics’ VD1940 image sensor, a state-of-the-art device specifically engineered for automotive use. The VD1940 features a single 5.1-megapixel hybrid pixel design that is sensitive to both RGB (color during the day) and infrared (IR during the night) light. With its wide-angle field of view, the sensor can cover the entire cabin, ensuring exceptional image quality under a variety of lighting conditions.
Tobii’s proprietary algorithms process the dual video streams generated by the sensor, enabling simultaneous support for both the Driver Monitoring System (DMS) and the Occupancy Monitoring System (OMS). This dual capability ensures compliance with emerging automotive safety standards while also offering a platform for creating intelligent in-cabin experiences, such as adaptive infotainment and personalized comfort features.
Market Impact and Industry Leadership
Tobii, through its automotive division Tobii Autosense, is already a recognized leader in the field of interior sensing. The company has secured design wins across more than 160 vehicle models, with its DMS and OMS solutions already shipping in production vehicles worldwide. This new collaboration with STMicroelectronics further strengthens its position as an innovation leader in the automotive sector.
The VD1940 image sensor is part of STMicroelectronics’ SafeSense by ST platform, which integrates functional safety and cybersecurity features specifically designed for automotive safety applications. With this product line, ST is addressing the industry’s growing demand for reliable, high-performance, and cost-effective sensing technologies that comply with strict automotive standards.
As an Integrated Device Manufacturer (IDM), STMicroelectronics controls the entire image sensor supply chain, from design to manufacturing. The company’s imaging solutions are produced in its European fabs, ensuring supply security, quality, and scalability. With the VD1940 now in mass production, Tier-1 suppliers and OEMs can seamlessly integrate this next-generation technology into new vehicle platforms.
About Tobii
Tobii is the global leader in eye tracking and a pioneer in attention computing. Its mission is to improve the world with technology that understands human attention and intent. Tobii’s technologies and solutions are applied across a wide variety of fields, including behavioral research, healthcare, education and training, gaming, extended reality, and automotive. Tobii’s eye tracking is used by thousands of enterprises, universities, and research institutes globally. Headquartered in Sweden, Tobii is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm (TOBII).
About STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM) is a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications. With a strong focus on sustainability, innovation, and quality, ST delivers solutions that power smart mobility, advanced sensing, and connected devices. As an IDM, ST maintains full control of its design and manufacturing processes, ensuring reliable supply and robust technology integration for customers worldwide.
