International. Jaguar Land Rover said it is investigating a new artificial intelligence (AI) technology that aims to detect mood behind the wheel and modify cabin settings to improve driver well-being.
The technology uses a camera that observes the driver and biometric sensors to monitor and assess their mood, and change cabin settings such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning, multimedia system and ambient lighting if necessary. The settings will be modified based on the driver's facial expressions to help mitigate stress. Reports indicate that 74% of people admit to feeling stressed or overwhelmed each day.
The mood detection system will use the latest AI techniques to constantly adapt to the different nuances of the driver's facial expressions and make the necessary adjustments automatically. After a while, the system will learn the driver's preferences and will be able to customize the settings more and more.
This customization could, for example, include changing ambient lighting to soothing colors if the system detects that the driver is suffering from stress, selecting one of their favorite playlists if it identifies signs of boredom, and dropping the temperature in response to yawning or other signs of tiredness.
Jaguar Land Rover is also testing similar technology for rear-seat passengers that includes installing a camera on the headrest. If the system detects signs of tiredness, it could dim the lighting, darken the windows and raise the temperature in the rear to help passengers fall asleep.
Dr Steve Iley, Jaguar Land Rover's Chief Medical Officer, said: "As we move forward on the road to a future of autonomous driving, the driver remains paramount to the company.
"We work with a holistic approach to the individual driver and implement much of what we have learned from advances in wellness research over the past 10 to 15 years to ensure drivers are comfortable, engaged and alert behind the wheel in all driving situations, even the most monotonous."
The new mood detection system is part of a set of technologies that Jaguar Land Rover is studying within its 'sanctuary of peace' concept to enhance the driving experience. The manufacturer intends to create a sanctuary-like feel inside each of its luxury vehicles, so it is testing a wide range of functions geared towards the well-being of the driver and passengers to ensure maximum occupant comfort while the driver remains fully aware, remains alert and has everything under control.
The mood detection software could be considered the next generation of Jaguar Land Rover's current driver monitoring technology, for example the Driver Status Monitor, which can detect if the driver is becoming drowsy and issue a pre-emptive warning to take a break. This system is available on all Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles.
