Eye tracking technology to be trialled on European coaches and trucks 10 December 2013

Head and eye tracking technology designed to automatically detect driver fatigue and distraction is to be tested for the first time on 20 coaches and trucks across Europe.

The trial, aimed at improving passenger safety, follows a partnership deal between Dutch coach operator Royal Beuk and technology developer Seeing Machines

Royal Beuk is initially deploying Seeing Machines' Fatigue Monitoring Systems on 20 vehicles, including some from its own fleet of long-distance coaches as well as trucks transporting dangerous chemicals, from partner operators.

According to Marc Beuk, R&D manager with Royal Beuk, if its nine-month evaluation proves successful, Royal Beuk then plans to expand the technology across its entire fleet of 60 coaches. The firm will also then act as lead European distributor of the systems for coach and truck fleets right across Europe.

The new trial builds on Seeing Machines' agreement with Caterpillar last May, which resulted in worldwide availability of its systems through the construction vehicle giant's dealers, as well as a deal announced in August to equip 110 BHP Billiton mining trucks in Australian mines.

"Although coach transportation is statistically proven to be the safest way of travelling, there is always a risk," comments Beuk. "Driver fatigue is something that we can protect against to an extent, through training and good working practices, but risk never sleeps."

Beuk says that the trial of this eye tracking systems is about eliminating that risk.

"It is most critical on the long-distance journeys, where we might be taking children to a holiday destination for example, and our aim is to have the fatigue detection technology in place ahead of this years' winter sports season," he states.

Seeing Machines system is based on patented eye-tracking technology that can detect if a driver is distracted or falling asleep at the wheel. Using sensing equipment that requires no re-calibration between drivers, it tracks head alignment while simultaneously analysing eye behaviour to detect micro sleeps.

Beuk explains that this enables warnings to be given through in-cab alerts, or for alerts to be provided to operations management for direct intervention.

"Eye tracking technology has a major part to play in keeping drivers and passengers safe on the roads," says Ken Kroeger, CEO of Seeing Machines. "The technology has already been proven in extreme environments, such as open cut mines, and now promises to bring the same benefits to public roads."

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Seeing Machines Inc

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