Volvo Testing Driver Sensors

Volvo is working on this sensor that can tell what direction you are looking in.

Volvo has announced it has been carrying out research into systems that can help to check if a driver is distracted or sleepy.

The Swedish-based company says this includes some technology that can tell what direction the driver is looking and how open their eyes are.

This data, together with other factors such as the angle of their head, can be used to work out the driver’s state of alertness. So driver support systems like collision warning, or Lane Keeping Aid can be tuned to be more or less aggressive in terms of when they activate.

Other possible uses include adjusting the angle of lighting inside and outside the car to where the driver is looking or being able to identify drivers automatically.

Volvo says they have already installed the technology in some test vehicles and that it all builds towards their goal that nobody will be killed or seriously injured in one of their new cars.

The sensors are istalled in the dash and LEDs light up the driver with infrared light.

Sadly no laser beam eyes for glaring at people who cut you up. But the technology should make your drive a lot safer.

Another step towards safer cars or too much baby-sitting going on? What do you think?