DERMALOG Identification Systems GmbH and Rheinmetall AG have entered into a new joint venture together: Rheinmetall Dermalog SensorTec GmbH. In future, this new company will supply the most innovative biometric technologies to vehicle manufacturers. One of the aims of this new partnership is to develop a driver monitoring system that recognizes when drivers are distracted and then warns them accordingly.

Distractions of any kind, such as those caused by smartphones, can have fatal consequences when driving a vehicle. 100,000 collisions a year, resulting in 500 deaths and 25,000 injured road users: this is Germany's dismal track record for accidents caused by mobile phones at the wheel, according to a recent study by the "besmart-mobile" initiative. Another study carried out by the insurance group "Allianz" found that distracted driving is now a more common cause of fatal accidents than drink driving.

So-called "driver monitoring" involves the continuous, computer-assisted observation of the driver. Using various cameras and sensors, the system detects any causes of distraction such as the checking of a smartphone or fatigue and then warns the driver, or – when fitted in vehicles with autonomous control – intervenes independently in emergency situations. Within the framework of the joint venture, DERMALOG and Rheinmetall will be combining their expertise in biometrics, artificial intelligence and radar technology to develop a powerful driver monitoring system.

As well as keeping an eye on the driver, the system will also monitor the entire cabin interior. The solution should therefore detect other risks too, for example in cases when a baby or small child is left behind in the vehicle. It is envisaged that object recognition will also be possible with driver monitoring by Rheinmetall Dermalog SensorTec.

In future, users of car-sharing services will be informed quickly and conveniently via an app if they have forgotten any objects in the car.