Last week, Ford Motor Company revealed that it is working on research designed to make driving more efficient and less stressful.
Building on existing technologies currently offered on the automaker’s vehicles such as SYNC, MyFord Touch and others, this new development, employs sophisticated algorithms that via sensors both outside and inside the vehicle can alter or adjust certain functions depending on driver workload.
Examples include sensors that are able to detect changing traffic patterns ahead and monitor the driver’s response, such as increased pressure on the throttle or the brakes. This in turn would enable automatic adjustment of in car features, such as diverting phone calls to voice mail during situations where driver workload is increased. As a result, potential distractions could be reduced, not only promoting better driver alertness, but also reducing the risk of accidents.
Additionally, engineers are also experimenting with advanced biometrics, using infrared sensors placed on the steering wheel, steering column and seat belt that are able to monitor a driver’s temperature, pulse, even breathing. Being able to collect such information would provide an even more accurate picture of driver activity; further enabling vehicles to “intelligently” adjust collision alerts, as well as info-entertainment and communication features to minimize distracted driving.
“While these features are still in research,” said Gary Strumolo, manager of vehicle design and infotronics for Ford Research and Innovation,” they show significant opportunity for us to leverage data already being captured by the vehicle and apply an intelligent decision-making system to simplify the driving experience.”
