Published on 03/ 5/2007
Researchers from the University of Tokyo and Oita University have teamed up with the Shimane Institute of Health Science and Delta Tooling to develop a prototype smart car seat that knows when the occupant is about to nod off after studying the physiological signs of 100 sleepy subjects. The smart car seat is able to detect the changes in pulse and respiration that often occurs 10 minutes before one falls asleep. Unfortunately, the seat is unable to respond when it detects a sleepy driver. Hopefully the next prototype will see some kind of alarm function that will alert the driver before he/she nods off at the wheel. The team of researchers are hoping to see a commercial version roll out within the next five years.