IIT-Madras develops new device to warn drivers of fatigue
HSSL and IIT Madras also have plans to approach the state transport corporations to fix this system in their vehicles.
Chennai: With an aim to reduce the road accidents, IIT Madras in collaboration with the Harita Seating Systems Limited (HSSL) has developed ‘Intelliseat’, a new device that monitors the driver 24X7 and warns him of fatigue.
The sensors embedded in the seat, monitor the presence of the driver in the vehicle, their behaviour, performance and fatigue. This information can be used to warn the driver in-vehicle or to communicate with the fleet operator in real-time.
“This can help them to take necessary action instantaneously as well as use the information to benchmark drivers and train them. Intelliseat has road tested in commercial vehicles in south India,” said Venkatesh Balasubramanian, department of engineering design, IIT Madras.
“It operates independently and can be used for in-vehicle information of status as well as help a central tracking by fleet owners,” he said.
HSSL and IIT Madras also have plans to approach the state transport corporations to fix this system in their vehicles.
“India has an unconscionably high rate of traffic accidents and technologies that can reduce accidents due to driver fatigue are sorely needed,” said Bhaskar Ramamurthi, director, IIT Madras.
C.N. Prasad director of HSSL, hoped that this innovation leads to safer roads and reduced risk of accidents due to driver fatigue.