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Welcome to the first installment of our series on the evolution and impact of driver monitoring and interior sensing technologies in the automotive industry. This series will be based on a recent insightful Q&A session with Detlef Wilke, Vice-President of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships at Smart Eye. In this blog, we’ll explore Detlef’s background, his role at Smart Eye, and an overview of the current landscape of these transformative technologies.
Detlef Wilke, an industry veteran with extensive experience in automotive technology. His role involves strategizing with partners to develop and bring to market innovative hardware and software solutions. Detlef and his team are focused on both the future and the past, aiming to create an environment conducive to joint product development.
According to Detlef, the landscape of driver monitoring and interior sensing technologies varies significantly across regions. In Europe, legislation mandates the implementation of driver monitoring systems (DMS) in all new vehicles by 2024 or 2026, depending on the type of vehicle. This regulatory push is driven by the need to enhance vehicle safety, which includes not just driver monitoring but also occupant monitoring systems (OMS) for the entire cabin. The Euro NCAP’s safety requirements now extend beyond the driver to include all occupants, further emphasizing the importance of comprehensive cabin monitoring.
Outside of Europe, the adoption rates of these technologies differ. In the US, customer demand for these systems is growing. Japan also shows high interest and adoption rates, with Japanese OEMs leading in the implementation of both driver and cabin monitoring systems.
Over the past five years, there has been a significant evolution in these technologies. Detlef notes that in 2019, Smart Eye launched its first system with BMW, focusing initially on driver monitoring for safety. Since then, there has been a strong market pull towards cabin monitoring systems, which combine safety with entertainment features.
Today, over 90% of market requests involve complete occupant monitoring, encompassing both driver and cabin. This shift underscores the increasing importance of monitoring all occupants for safety and comfort.
This first part of our series highlights the crucial role of driver monitoring and interior sensing technologies in enhancing automotive safety and user experience. With regulatory frameworks driving their adoption, particularly in Europe, and technological advancements making these systems more effective and affordable, the future of automotive safety looks promising. Stay tuned for our next installment, where we will delve deeper into the technological advancements that have driven these developments.
Want to learn more? Download our eBook, “Interior Sensing: The Next Frontier in Improving Road Safety and the Mobility Experience” here, or contact us today!
