IIT Madras IntelliSeat could improve road safety by detecting signs of driver fatigue without requiring wearable devices or cameras. Developed by Prof. Venkatesh Balasubramanian’s Rehabilitation Bioengineering Group in collaboration with seating company Harita, the smart seat uses sensors embedded in its back and base to monitor a driver’s presence, posture and movements. The system processes these signals to identify different levels of fatigue. When mild fatigue is detected, a dashboard light alerts the driver. Moderate fatigue triggers an additional sound warning, while severe fatigue activates seat vibrations and can alert the fleet owner. The technology operates independently of a vehicle’s computer, allowing it to potentially be fitted into existing trucks and buses. A connected mobile application can also help fleet operators monitor driver fatigue and analyse driving patterns.
IIT Madras IntelliSeat Detects Driver Fatigue Before Crashes
