SEAT working with Eyesight Technologies, Gauzy to improve road safety

Taking forward AI to combat driver fatigue and improve road safety, SEAT’s Xplora team, in collaboration with Eyesight Technologies, is developing advanced technology that studies a driver’s eyes and head movement to detect if they’re falling asleep or distracted. SEAT is also working alongside Gauzy, which is developing an active glazing technology that adapts to the weather conditions.

In the event it detects that the driver is drowsy, asleep or perhaps distracted by their mobile phone, the technology will trigger an alert. It uses an algorithm which analyses the eye openness, angle of vision, blink rate and head position of the driver, along with other visual attributes. The technology can also identify the driver from previous trips and adjust the seats, mirrors, heating settings and other cabin features according to their personal preferences.

Eventually, the software will be able to detect pedestrians and analyse whether the driver has spotted them as well. Research has shown that driver distraction and tiredness are among the biggest dangers on the roads, contributing to 36% of road traffic collisions.

Stefan Ilijevic, head of Product innovation, SEAT, said:“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.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.”

SEAT’s Xplora team searches for innovative companies which develop connected car technology and smart mobility services. SEAT launched Xplora with Champion Motors, which is the Volkswagen Group’s brand importer in Israel, and in two years has worked with more than 200 emerging Israeli businesses. Their team is responsible for finding solutions that enhance well-being and safety, cybersecurity, sustainability and artificial intelligence.

Aitor Aizkorreta, head of scouting for SEAT in Israel, said:“This concentration of emerging companies makes Tel Aviv one of the easiest global innovation hubs to explore for solutions that improve our cars and services. If you want to be a leader of the disruption in the car industry instead of a spectator, then not only do you have to be in Tel Aviv, but in the world’s other major technology hubs as well. “If we want to shape the future, we have to be in the most innovative ecosystems.”

The active glazing technology that SEAT is working with Gauzy adapts to the weather conditions. It gives the driver the ability to darken windows, within legal limits, to avoid being dazzled by the sun while lighten the windows in darker environments and weather conditions.

The company aims to carry out at least 10 proofs of concept every year to test how selected innovations would adapt in vehicles and services.

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