Driver fatigue is known to be one of the leading causes of traffic accidents, which implies that prevention and early detection of driver fatigue could go a long way to reducing the incidence of car crashes.
A team of researchers and engineers from Washington State University Spokane have developed a steering wheel system that detects fatigue and drowsiness using inexpensive electronics.
The system works on the basis that variability in steering wheel movement is a great indicator fatigue. Relatively small amounts of steering wheel variability predict the onset of driver fatigue, before things get to the point where a car is drifting and swerving out of its lane.
This ingenious and potentially life-saving steering wheel system could be built into new cars or easily installed as an after-purchase accessory.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Driver Fatigue Detection
- Opportunity for developing innovative technologies and systems to detect and prevent driver fatigue.
- Inexpensive Electronics
- Disruptive innovation opportunity to create affordable and accessible fatigue detection systems for vehicles.
- After-purchase Accessories
- Potential for creating aftermarket products that can be installed in existing vehicles to detect driver fatigue.
Where This Applies
- Automotive
- Opportunity for car manufacturers to integrate fatigue detection systems into their vehicles for improved safety.
- Electronics
- Opportunity for electronics companies to develop and manufacture inexpensive fatigue detection systems for the automotive industry.
- Automotive Accessories
- Potential for accessory manufacturers to create and market fatigue detection systems that can be easily installed in existing vehicles.
