STMicroelectronics has introduced two compact six-axis motion sensors designed to improve the accuracy of event detection and reconstruction in consumer electronics and industrial equipment. The new inertial measurement units (IMUs), LSM6DSK320X and ISM6HGK256X, are designed for applications including fitness trackers, smart tags, industrial asset monitors, robots and drones.
The sensors use an advanced super-symmetric gyroscope architecture to improve measurement precision and reduce the effects of external vibrations and shocks. They also combine high-precision accelerometer tracking with a wide measurement range, enabling devices to identify and analyse different types of motion and impact.
These capabilities can support applications such as accident alerts, tool-usage monitoring, robot teaching, sports-performance analysis and concussion detection. Other potential uses include drone-flight stabilisation, structural-condition monitoring and game controllers.
The LSM6DSK320X is intended for consumer applications, while the ISM6HGK256X is designed for industrial environments. Both products are part of STMicroelectronics’ Sustainable Technology initiative, which promotes responsible product development and compliance with material standards, including requirements for lead-free and BPA-free products.
Simone Ferri, Executive Vice President of the MEMS Sub-Group at STMicroelectronics, said the new architecture improves signal strength and resilience within a compact package, allowing developers to add more advanced functions to smart devices. He added that compliance with sustainable-material standards would help manufacturers respond to evolving environmental and regulatory requirements.
The sensors contain one gyroscope and two separate accelerometers in a single package. The dual-accelerometer design enables simultaneous measurement of low-range disturbances up to ±16 g and high-g events up to ±320 g. This allows the devices to record low-level movements and sudden impacts without interrupting measurements to switch between ranges.
Both IMUs also include ST’s machine-learning core, which processes selected data directly within the sensor. This can reduce energy consumption and the computing resources required by the host application. Developers can use the sensors with ST’s Motion XLF libraries, sensor-fusion software and context-awareness tools.
Jay Blackman, Leader at Betaflight, said the LSM6DSK320X’s vibration resistance made it suitable for integration into the organisation’s reference platform development. Dr Zebo Zhou, Chief Technology Officer at Tianhe (Chengdu), said the sensor met demanding requirements for drone flight controllers, including resistance to saturation during aggressive manoeuvres, low noise under vibration and compact size.
The devices are supported by the ST MEMS Studio development environment. Adapter boards for both products are expected to be available through ST’s eSTore and distributors by November 2026. Both sensors measure 2.5 mm x 3 mm x 0.83 mm. The consumer-grade LSM6DSK320X operates from -40°C to +85°C, while the industrial ISM6HGK256X supports -40°C to +105°C and is covered by ST’s 10-year longevity programme. Prices start at US$4.60 and US$5.10, respectively, for orders of 1,000 units.
STMicroelectronics is a semiconductor manufacturer with approximately 49,000 employees, serving more than 200,000 customers and thousands of partners. Its technologies support mobility, power and energy management, and connected devices. The company aims to achieve carbon neutrality across its defined direct and indirect emissions, selected value-chain activities and 100% renewable electricity sourcing by the end of 2027.
