We have already said a lot about devices that check if you are too drunk to drive, but today a group of German researchers want to take this concept a little further: their 'intelligent steering' constantly monitors the driver's vital functions and changes behavior of the vehicle in their operation.
Developed by Munich Technical University in collaboration with BMW, this steering is equipped with numerous sensors capable of measuring heart rate, oxygenation levels and blood pressure: if any of these factors goes off scale, the system can take partial control, block phone calls, turn off the radio, turn on the indicators emergency and also slow down or stop the vehicle.
The system can also record this data for later analysis, and alert medical units in case of dangerous situations. Driving safety, on the other hand, depends on many factors: a part of road accidents is caused by sudden illness or falling asleep, and could be avoided with greater driver control, perhaps by modifying the speed and position of the vehicle in case of abrupt changes in the physiological state of those behind the wheel.
Sounds really futuristic, doesn't it?
For professional deformation I also reflect on the possible shortcomings: I imagine insurance companies that increase the premium (never that they decrease it) adducing high levels of stress behind the wheel. I foresee a future comeback of pilot gloves :)
