Wellness on wheels is possible
Cars can be very dangerous for their inhabitants—more than 1 million people die worldwide in car accidents every year. Another 20 to 50 million people report non-fatal crash-related injuries annually. These are grim statistics.
But driving shouldn’t be like that. While many of us hope that, over time, self-driving cars will gradually reduce the number of accidents that occur each year, car manufacturers are aiming to make progress much sooner. In fact, by 2023, the problem of car safety may already be substantially resolved.
Automakers including Mazda and Toyota are building next-generation vehicles equipped with a variety of sensors, from ECG sensors mounted on the steering wheel to sensors in the ears that can detect when drivers are unable to drive. This includes sudden illnesses such as a heart attack, seizure or nausea, or even drunk driving. Human error explains over 90 percent of all car accidentsand the introduction of multimodal sensors (such as the mentioned optical sensors and physiological monitors) in vehicles will continue to reduce risks for drivers and other road users.
Most importantly, in 2023, this new generation of vehicles will not only keep you safe, but also keep you healthy while driving.
In 2023, we will continue to see a growing intersection between health, mobility and artificial intelligence, in particular the evolution of multi-modal sensors to track and positively impact the health and well-being of drivers (physical, emotional and mental). Take account of Audi’s “Urbansphere” conceptwhich was introduced earlier this year. The car will include stress detection programs that include technologies such as face scanners and voice analysis monitoring systems (all powered by artificial intelligence) to assess how drivers feel behind the wheel at any given moment. This real-time data is then used to provide drivers with personalized relaxation recommendations, which may include guided meditation.
We see similar technologies applied in other automotive leaders such as Hyundai. “Smart Cabin” company Equipped with sensors that can record the driver’s vital signs and adjust the vehicle’s condition based on the collected data. For example, if CO2 levels inside your vehicle are registered as too high or dangerous, your vehicle may roll down windows or activate external circulation mode for your air conditioning system. This is a constant acceleration of programs developed by companies such as Mercedes, in which in-car amenities such as energy coach suggest appropriate wellness interventions based on driver controlled stress levels.
With car sales sitting in over 65 million vehicles worldwide this yearThere are many data-driven opportunities to keep us safe and healthy on the road.
Responsible drivers strive to take good care of their vehicles, and rightly so. Regular maintenance, flushes and adjustments protect our investment. But in 2023 we will see how our cars take care of us too. With money pouring into the automotive industry, multi-modal AI technology on the rise, and self-care now front and center, your car will truly be the place to feel good.