Seeing Machines wins USD $1.2m deal for driver monitoring tech
Seeing Machines has signed a USD $1.2 million agreement to supply guardian backup-driver monitoring systems to a major North American autonomous driving company.
The company's Guardian Backup-driver Monitoring Systems (BdMS) will be deployed into test vehicles as the autonomous mobility firm extends its activities across additional locations and sites.
Developing autonomous vehicle technology requires significant levels of data collection, validation and on-road testing. During this period of trialling on public roads, the need for a human backup driver remains standard practice, as a safeguard against risk and to ensure compliance with safety regulations. Seeing Machines' BdMS has been designed to assist backup drivers in maintaining vigilance while these autonomous vehicles are in operation, with the aim of bolstering overall road safety during the transition period toward fully automated systems.
Integration of autonomous vehicle technology into ride-hailing operations is expected to change the landscape of urban transportation. These systems have been associated with the possibility of improved efficiency, lowering operating costs, and creating more accessible transport options, especially in densely populated areas. By automating driving tasks and monitoring systems, the intent is also to mitigate accidents linked to human error.
Industry role
Seeing Machines has outlined its role as a supplier of monitoring technology to support human drivers in test vehicles for autonomous ride-hailing fleets. This monitoring capability is considered crucial to both the development and acceptance of autonomous mobility services, as it aims to provide an additional layer of reliability and oversight as the industry transitions from driver-operated vehicles to fully autonomous models.
"We are proud to continue working with this important customer, who shares our passion for road safety, as they continue to develop their technology and frankly, lead the evolution of the autonomous vehicle landscape. Around the world, regulators and automakers understand that driver and occupant monitoring technology will bridge the gap between the vehicles of today, where the driver is still in control, and the fully autonomous cars of tomorrow. It's excellent to see our technology, designed purely to keep road users safe, helping to shape this shift in transportation."
The above was stated by Paul McGlone, Chief Executive Officer of Seeing Machines.
Safety technology
Seeing Machines' Guardian BdMS is part of a suite of technologies developed to analyse driver behaviour. The technology monitors where a driver is looking, measures their cognitive state, and evaluates the risk of distraction or drowsiness. Such analytics are currently employed across several transport sectors, including automotive, commercial fleets, off-road and aviation applications.
The use of these systems is intended to enhance the overall safety envelope for vehicles in the autonomous testing phase, where human oversight is still mandated. Both regulators and manufacturers are observing the deployment of these solutions as a means of ensuring safe operation during the intermediary period before driverless vehicle operation is fully approved.
The financial arrangement, valued at USD $1.2 million, is expected to facilitate the rollout of additional monitoring systems across the autonomous company's test vehicle fleet, supporting expansion into new regions and scenarios. The contract underscores ongoing industry partnership in the area of technology for road safety and compliance.
Seeing Machines is based in Australia and supplies monitoring technology to a range of industries globally, including customers operating in North America, Europe, Asia and Australasia.
