Driver distraction and tiredness account for more than a third of collisions on the road, so automakers have started developing new technologies that help minimize these risks.
SEAT’s Xplora team has partnered with Israel-based Eyesight Technologies to create a new system that detects whether drivers are keeping their eyes on the road or not.
Using Artificial Intelligence (AI), the technology includes an algorithm that analyzes the position of the head, angle of vision, eye openness and blink rate, as well as other parameters, to determine whether the driver is fully awake and aware of the surrounding environment. Should it detect drowsiness, sleepiness or distraction, the system will trigger an alert.
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“In total, more than 90 percent of the road accidents in Europe are caused by human factor. The main reasons include distraction and tiredness, excessive speed and alcohol and drugs”, said SEAT’s chief of Product Innovation, Stefan Ilijevic. “At SEAT, we are working on solutions to prevent negligence behind the steering wheel and significantly reduce road accidents. We partner with some of the world’s brightest companies on important technology to save lives, since our long-term vision is a world with zero accidents.”
In addition to monitoring drivers, the technology can also identify them from previous trips and adjust the seats, mirrors, HVAC and others according to their preferences. The system will further be developed and will be able to detect pedestrians in the future, while also analyzing whether those behind the wheel have noticed them as well.
Another Israeli start-up collaborating with SEAT for new technologies that can be adapted to cars is Gauzy. The company’s goal is to make windows more private and they have come up with an active glazing tech that adapts to weather conditions. The system allows users to darken the windows within legal limits to avoid sun dazzling, or lighten them at nighttime or in poor visibility conditions.
