TOKYO, Cars know where to park, how to warn drivers, which lanes to use, and what routes to take to get to their destinations. Mazda's next-year Japanese car will detect if a driver has suffered a stroke or heart attack.
According to the Japanese automaker, cars will be able to detect when drivers have a sudden health issue and alert them.
The data is gathered from the vehicle's cameras, and not laser sensors or any other intrusive technology. It will be available in affordable models and not only luxury cars. This technology promises to be one of the most advanced in aging societies around the globe.
Mazda recently told reporters that it is working with medical professionals, including Tsukuba Hospital, to determine what a healthy driver looks and feels like.
Co-Pilot Concept will recognize a problem and bring the car to a safe place, such as the curb, as soon as it can.
According to Mazda, the car will honk and flash blinker and hazard light flashing while it is moving. However, exact signals for this are not yet known. A 911 call to police and the ambulance will be relayed.
Similar technology is being developed by other major automakers like Volkswagen of Germany and Toyota Motor Corp.
After Japan, Mazda will offer the technology in Europe. Mazda will wait to see if it is available in the United States, as it has concerns about its acceptance by society, even though rivals offer similar systems to stop cars.
Mazda claims that privacy concerns are not a concern.
Takahiro Tochioka is the engineer in charge. He said that Mazda is trying to predict a driver's health problems even though they may not be aware.
He said that the car will look for subtle changes in how people drive, such as swaying their heads or focusing on their eyes.
He proudly stated, "And it'll warn drivers even before actual symptoms arise," he said to reporters.
This technology can only work if there is understanding and cooperation among the drivers.
Mazda hopes the Japanese public will help a driver in need, as it is a Japanese tradition to assume widespread public goodwill.
Tochioka stated that the technology will allow people to drive throughout their lives and help to reassure family and friends to not be afraid. Mazda will be able to receive feedback from real-life users by offering Co-Pilot, he stated.
