Future SEATs will be able to help prevent the 36% of collisions caused by driver distraction or tiredness with the use of artificial intelligence technology.

The technology uses an algorithm which analyses the eye openness, angle of vision, blink rate and head position of the driver, along with other visual attributes

The carmaker is working with Israel’s Eyesight Technologies to develop a solution that studies a driver’s eyes and head movement to detect if they’re falling asleep or distracted, based on the use of an algorithm. Any drivers found to be distracted will receive alerts – and in the longer term, the software will be able to detect pedestrians and analyse whether the driver has spotted them as well.

SEAT’s work on road safety is also seeing it collaborate with Gauzy, which is developing an active glazing technology that adapts to the weather conditions. It gives the driver the ability to darken windows, within legal limits, to avoid being dazzled by the sun while lighten the windows in darker environments and weather conditions.

Stefan Ilijevic, head of product innovation at SEAT, said: “In total more than 90% of the road accidents in Europe are caused by human factor. The main reasons include distraction and tiredness, excessive speed and alcohol and drugs.

“At SEAT we are working on solutions to prevent negligence behind the steering wheel and significantly reduce road accidents.

“We partner with some of the world’s brightest companies on important technology to save lives, since our long-term vision is a world with zero accidents.”

These projects are just some of the work being carried out by SEAT’s Xplora team, which was founded in 2017 with Champion Motors, Volkswagen Group’s brand importer in Israel, and to date has worked with more than 200 emerging Israeli businesses on solutions to enhance well-being and safety, cybersecurity, sustainability and artificial intelligence.

The aim is to carry out at least 10 proofs of concept every year to test how selected innovations would adapt in vehicles and services.