Auto parts maker Hyundai Mobis has blended its automotive tech with healthcare, developing an innovation based on brainwave measurement to prevent drowsy driving.

The company will apply the advanced driver assistance system dubbed M. Brain to public buses first in Gyeonggi Province in the second half of this year.

The new system measures the driver`s condition on a real-time basis by detecting the brainwaves around the ears through earpiece sensors that are worn. The key is the software technology that analyzes and determines the data from the brainwaves. It is also interworked with a smartphone app to provide notification that the driver is losing attention. When the driver is judged as drowsy driving, the system provides alerts through LEDs around the driver`s seat or the vibrating seat.

Among other biosignals, brainwave measurement is known to be most challenging and it is the first time that the brainwave measurement technology is applied to the automotive industry, the company said.

The global in-vehicle healthcare market has taken its first step with heartbeat measurements or eye tracking technologies available. Hyundai Mobis said brainwave-based technology has infinite potential for development as it can measure massive amounts of data.

According to market research firm Frost & Sullivan, the in-vehicle healthcare market is expected to grow at an CAGR of 38 percent.

By Seo Dong-cheol and Minu Kim

[ⓒ Pulse by Maeil Business Newspaper & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved]