Hi-tech road test to read driver’s brainwaves

HI-TECH systems to check on motorists’ stress, fatigue and concentration levels are being tested by a British car company.

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) wants to see if a car can effectively read the brainwaves that indicate if a driver is beginning to daydream or is feeling sleepy.

It is also developing a seat in a Jaguar XJ that analyses the driver’s heart rate and breathing to indicate their health and stress levels.

In addition, the company is working on technology that will provide touchscreens that predict which in-car entertainment button drivers want to press even as their fingers are in mid-air – thus minimising the time spent with eyes off the road.

On the brainwave reading, JLR said it was investigating a method used by American space agency Nasa to develop a pilot’s concentration skills and also by the US bobsleigh team to enhance concentration and focus.

This detects brainwaves through the hands via sensors embedded in the steering wheel.

JLR is conducting user trials to collect more informa- tion on the different brainwaves identified through the steering wheel sensors and will involve leading neuroscientists in the project to verify the results.

The seat sensor, for monitoring a driver’s wellbeing, was made for use in hospitals and has been adapted for in-car use. It detects vibrations from the driver’s heartbeat and breathing.