Volvo developing driver cameras to monitor behaviour and biometrics

Jan 29, 2019 | Chris Burt

Volvo developing driver cameras to monitor behaviour and biometrics

Volvo is developing in-car cameras to provide biometric identification and monitor driver health, CAR magazine reports.

Volvo has been testing onboard cameras in its XC90 Drive Me autonomous test car, and began filming drivers in Shanghai to gather data about stressful city driving in 2014. Camera technology is now advanced enough to actively predict driver health problems, the carmaker says, though the cameras are only expected to be ready for the market as an optional feature after 2020.

“They’re very advanced these days: they can determine a driver’s glucose levels by looking at their pupils, so could call a loved one or hospital if it detected a health problem,” Volvo Chief Digital Officer Atif Rafiq tells CAR. “Cars will understand your state and de-stress you on your way back from work.”

Camera footage will be anonymized, and Rafiq predicts biometrics will be applied to a range of possible uses.

“Cameras can be used for video conferencing and ID purposes too. Your car will recognise you and set your Google apps, climate control and seating position for you,” he says. “It’s very clever.”

Hyundai is expected to be the first major auto manufacturer to commercially launch vehicles with embedded biometric capabilities when the new Santa Fe is released in China later this year.