Ford and MIT to develop driver stress monitoring system

04 Jan 2010

In partnership with MIT's renowned AgeLab, the project is intended to identify specific stress-inducing driving situations, monitor driver reactions using biometrics, and evaluate methods to incorporate new stress-reducing features
into the next generation of Ford products.

Focussing for 6 months on human interaction with a specially equipped 2010 Lincoln MKS, a vehicle already recognized for its advanced safety features.

By monitoring biometrics such as heart rate, skin conductivity and eye movement, researchers at MIT have been working to develop a specific set of parameters for an embedded detection system that could be engineered into future Ford vehicles.

According to Ford Manager Jeff Rupp, the goal of that program is to take this one step further by creating the most comfortable driving environment possible so that the driver is always relaxed, calm and able to perform at peak performance.