The technology is nothing new and is already part of the equipment of many cars, which detect driver fatigue and alert to this fact through visual and audible warnings.
Ford however took that same technology and simplified it, applying it to a cap. That's right, a cap.
The objective was to help truck drivers in Brazil, who drive hours and hours, often at night. A second of distraction, or drowsiness, can mean a serious accident.
The cap now created and developed by Ford detects and alerts with audible, light and vibration signals.
The Ford hat looks like any other hat, but has an accelerometer and a gyroscope built into the side. After calibrating the sensor, sensing the normal movements of the driver's head, the hat is ready to do its job — alerting the driver to a possible situation of fatigue or fatigue.
Despite more than 18 months of system development, and more than 5000 kilometers covered in tests, the design of the Ford cap is still in its infancy, and with no forecast to reach stores.
Compared to the systems that equip cars, the Ford cap has some advantages. In addition to the “equipment” being mounted on the driver's head, which makes the audible warning close to the ear, and the lights flash right in front of the eyes, it can be used by any driver, regardless of the vehicle he is driving.
Despite having been tested with truck drivers in Brazil, the technology developed by Ford can be used in any type of car, anywhere in the world.
Apparently Ford says that more tests are needed, in addition to the patent and certification process, but it is interested in offering the technology to partners and customers, accelerating its development and reaching other countries.