Audi focuses on the well-being and health of the driver

Audi is working to develop Audi Fit Driver, a system that integrates wearable technology such as smart watches with the car’s own sensors. Using the motto “My Audi cares for me” the Audi Fit Driver becoming a supportive driving companion to get drivers in a healthier and more relaxed state as when they got in the car.

Stressed?

During the drive the sensors will monitor the drivers vital signs such as skin temperature and heart rate using the technology the driver’s wearing. The sensors will supplement the data with the driving style, the breathing and weather and traffic conditions. The car systems can respond to ease the driver, get him more relaxed or stimulate if needed. This approach – known as biofeedback – is already successfully employed in performance sports and medicine.

Getting Sleepy?

If for some reason the driver seems to dose off, it can start the air-conditioning, turn on a seat massage, turn up the volume of the infotainment or adjust the lightning. When the system detects a heightened stress level, it can for instance start a video tutorial on breathing techniques. In a later development stage, it could also start the process of an emergency stop or call for help. Audi Fit Driver is not ready to be used commercially, but now it’s being used in concept cars.

“More than ever, health and fitness are becoming top priorities in our daily life. With the fully connected car, we are creating the time and space to respond to this need while also driving”, so stated Dietmar Voggenreiter, Audi AG’s board member. “Automotive health is an outstanding example of the many opportunities that digitalization opens up for us and the drivers.”