A new safety system in a vehicle wakes up sleepy drivers. DSS tracks eye and face movement using sensors, cameras and infrared light to notify an alarm system if the driver appears to be falling asleep.
The largest mining equipment manufacturer in the world is installing technology to keep heavy machinery operators awake while they are behind the wheel.
Driver Safety Solution or DSS is the system that Caterpillar has chosen to install in their trucks.
An Australian company called Seeing Machines had their system chosen over 21 different contenders.
DSS tracks eye and face movement using sensors, cameras and infrared light to notify an alarm system if the driver appears to be falling asleep.
The system also uses GPS to make sure the vehicle is moving before starting a motor in the seat that causes it to vibrate and alert the driver.
According to Caterpillar’s estimates, being tired was a factor in 65 percent of truck hauling accidents during 2007.
Other technologies under development are focused on self driving cars, essentially making the driver obsolete.
In 2014, Audi and Mercedes are reportedly releasing cars that can operate their own steering, acceleration and braking using a new technology in the stop and go conditions of a traffic jam.
