Seat’s AI to Wake Sleepy Drivers

Paul Myles

TU-Editor

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6th March 2020

Spanish automaker Seat is working on an AI driven driver monitoring system to combat driver fatigue and improve road safety.

Its innovation research Xplora team, in conjunction with Eyesight Technologies, is developing technology that studies a driver’s eyes and head movement to detect if they’re falling asleep or are distracted. It uses an algorithm which analyses the eye openness, angle of vision, blink rate and head position of the driver, along with other visual attributes.

In the event it detects that the driver is drowsy, asleep or perhaps distracted by their mobile phone, it will trigger an alert. The technology can also identify the driver from previous trips and adjust the seats, mirrors, heating settings and other cabin features according to their personal preferences. The carmaker hopes that, eventually, the software will be able to detect pedestrians and analyse whether the driver has spotted them as well.

It says research has shown driver distraction and tiredness are among the biggest dangers on the roads, contributing to 36% of road traffic collisions. The company is also working alongside Gauzy, which is developing an active glazing technology that adapts to the weather conditions. It gives the driver the ability to darken windows, within legal limits, to avoid being dazzled by the sun while lighten the windows in darker environments and weather conditions.

Stefan Ilijevic, the head of product innovation at Seat, said: “In total more than 90% of the road accidents in Europe are caused by human factor. The main reasons include distraction and tiredness, excessive speed and alcohol and drugs.”

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in London. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_