Hyundai Mobis’ innovative drowsy driving prevention technology has earned the prestigious Presidential Award at the 2023 Korea Safety Technology Awards. (image: Hyundai Mobis)
SEOUL, Sept. 13 (Korea Bizwire) — Hyundai Mobis’ innovative drowsy driving prevention technology has earned the prestigious Presidential Award at the 2023 Korea Safety Technology Awards, as announced by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety on Tuesday.
This groundbreaking technology, known as “M.Brain,” combats drowsy driving accidents by continuously monitoring the driver’s real-time condition through brainwave analysis. It then deploys auditory, tactile, and visual signals to alert the driver as needed. The system not only assesses fatigue, drowsiness, and inattention but also issues warnings through a range of sensory cues.
These include visual alerts through LED displays surrounding the driver’s field of vision, a vibrating seat, and headrest speakers. Additionally, the system can be seamlessly integrated with a smartphone app for added convenience.
Analyzing brainwaves, some of the most complex bio-signals, was a significant challenge. However, Hyundai Mobis successfully minimized discomfort for drivers by designing the technology to be as compact and unobtrusive as a miniature earset, marking a significant advancement over existing EEG sensors.
M.Brain also garnered attention earlier this year, demonstrating its versatility in child psychological counseling.
In May, Hyundai Mobis further enhanced the design and comfort of M.Brain, and distributed it to six child protection organizations nationwide. This adaptation of the technology opens the door to real-time measurement of children’s psychological states, including stress and anxiety, during counseling sessions.
The design of the M.Brain system incorporates natural elements such as stars and leaves, creating a familiar and psychologically soothing environment for children, and was developed in collaboration with KIMUSTUDIO, a social value company.
Originally conceived to reduce accidents by alerting commercial vehicle drivers to inattentive behaviors like drowsy driving or lack of focus on the road, M.Brain has proven its effectiveness through a year-long pilot project with public bus drivers in Gyeonggi-do.
Results showed that drivers wearing the earset experienced up to a 30 percent reduction in instances of inattentiveness, including drowsy driving.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
