Mercedes-Benz has developed a new concept car that is capable of detecting if its driver is too tired to be behind the wheel.
The vehicle was revealed at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas and could be the first step in new technology that will be capable of saving lives.
LG has partnered with Mercedes to develop the Advanced Driving Assistance System (ADAS) that makes use of stereo cameras to monitor the road, while biometric systems monitor eye movements and alertness.
If at any point the system detects the motorist is not focusing on the road ahead, it will take over the driving and sound an alarm.
The system can also brake automatically if it spots potential obstacles, including cyclists and pedestrians.
"Autonomous vehicles will be commonplace and socially accepted in the cities of the future," explained a statement from Mercedes.
"With the new luxury-class interior concept, the car of the future will be more than purely a means of transport – rather, it will become a variable and private area of retreat in increasingly dense urban traffic."
Other features include front seats that can be turned around so that passengers can chose to talk easily to any people in the rear. There are also a number of screens in the vehicle to show films or stream live video feeds from the on-board cameras.
The concept car will have a range of additional safety features including Stop-and-Go Assist, which automatically follows traffic and assisting the driver to steer correctly. Active Park Assist has also been developed to provide automatic parking in tricky spaces.
"We are convinced autonomous driving will be a central factor on the way to comfortable, accident-free driving," explained the carmaker.
Posted by Fred Mason.