Intelligent vehicle technologies are a rapidly growing market, within which car sensor technology is advancing at a fast rate. A report released by MarketsandMarkets has revealed predictions that the car sensor market will be worth $146.51 billion by 2019.
With this in mind, we have compiled a list of the top three advances in car sensor technology, which have came onto our radar this week. These innovations could hugely decrease the number of road deaths per year, by assisting drivers in high-risk situations.
1) Car seat sensors that detect driver fatigue
The Advanced Textiles Research Group at Nottingham Trent University are currently developing a new textile product, which will be able to sense changes in heartbeat, to assess whether or not the driver is losing alertness.
The electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor system is being developed in an effort to save lives after research has shown that driver fatigue is a contributory factor in 20% of road accidents.
The sensor would detect a change in heartbeat, which indicates that the driver has lost alertness, then a signal would be sent to the driver warning them to pull over.
Should the driver remain asleep after the warning has been sent, the sensor may then send a signal to the car to engage in cruise control or lane departure technology to prevent further accidents. The information could even be sent to a control centre to take further action.
2) Car seat sensors that notify parents when child left in hot car
A company called TOMY International has developed a new ‘smart car seat’, which communicates between the child’s car seat and your smartphone, to alert drivers if the car seat gets too hot.
The company will send an alarm to your phone if the seat gets too hot, or if other factors are causing problems, such as if the seat was installed improperly, or if your child has become unbuckled whilst you are driving.
Another similar device that can be used to combat this problem is a wireless proximity sensor. This device comes as a pair of two devices; one is left with the child, the other with the caretaker. An alarm sounds when the devices become separated.
A more low-tech solution to this problem has been developed by an innovative 12 year old…
12-year-old Nashville boy, Andrew Pelham has invented a cheaper option, which solves the problem of parents leaving children in the car – the humble elastic band! Named the EZ Baby Saver, Pelham’s product hooks one side onto the driver’s door, while the other attaches to the back of the seat.
Pelham said: ‘When you open the car door and get out of your car, you're blocked by the brightly coloured EZ Baby Saver and you remember, “oh, my child is still in the car,”’ he said.
Very clever!
3) Ford sensors use body temperature to assess medical issues
Ford’s contribution to the world of car sensors is from a medical point of view. The Ford car sensors analyse the driver’s body temperature to sense any drastic changes, such as if the driver is having a seizure. The car would then take over, and steer or park the driver to safety.
Ford has even announced that they are developing ‘car ambulances’ which include medical sensors so that doctors can monitor patients remotely.
The company has trialled the technology with various different ailments in mind, there is even a ‘few too many to drinks’ and ‘drowsiness’ option (although we’re not sure people need any encouragement to think that drink driving is ok!).
Sensors are not just in the seats, but the seatbelts and driving wheel, which can assess changes in temperature through the driver’s palms.
Whilst there is no concrete timeframe for these sensors, we’re excited to see how they progress. Any research into how to reduce road deaths can only be a good thing in our eyes. What are your thoughts on car sensor technology?