Bosch Touts Drowsiness Detector

Robert Bosch GmbH's driver drowsiness detector uses an algorithm that compares driver steering behavior with a benchmark recorded at the start of each trip. If it senses a problem, the system flashes a red coffee cup icon in the center of the instrument panel.

The detector system, a standard feature in the Volkswagen Passat sedan, also monitors trip length, use of turn signals and time of day. Bosch says its algorithm looks for steering characteristics typical of a drowsy driver: periods of almost no steering input punctuated by small but abrupt adjustments.

The algorithm compares inputs with initial steering behavior. The system signals an alert when differences cross a certain value.