JLR develops tech that helps reduce driver stress

Jaguar Land Rover is researching new artificial intelligence (AI) technology to understand the driver's state of mind while driving and adjust cabin settings to improve driver wellbeing.

The technology uses a driver-facing camera and biometric sensing to monitor and evaluate the driver’s mood and alter a number of features, including the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, media and ambient lighting, as per the requirement. The settings will be tweaked in response to the driver’s facial expressions to help tackle stress. Reports suggest 74 percent of drivers admit to feeling stressed or overwhelmed every day.

The mood-detection system will use the latest AI techniques to continually adapt to nuances in the driver’s facial expressions and implement the appropriate settings automatically. Over time, the system will learn a driver’s preference and make increasingly tailored adjustments.

Personalisation settings could include changing the ambient lighting to calming colours, selecting a favourite playlist if signs of weariness are identified, and lowering the temperature in response to yawning or other signs of tiring.

Jaguar Land Rover is also trialling similar technology for rear passengers, with a camera mounted on the headrest. If the system detects signs of tiredness, it could dim the lights, tint the windows and raise the temperature in the back, to help the occupant go to sleep.

Dr Steve Iley, Jaguar Land Rover Chief Medical Officer, said: “As we move towards a self-driving future, the emphasis for us remains as much on the driver as it ever has. 

“By taking a holistic approach to the individual driver, and implementing much of what we’ve learnt from the advances in research around personal wellbeing over the last 10 or 15 years, we can make sure our customers remain comfortable, engaged and alert behind the wheel in all driving scenarios, even monotonous motorway journeys.”

The new mood-detection system is one from a suite of technologies that Jaguar Land Rover is exploring as part of its ‘tranquil sanctuary’ vision to improve the driving experience. Designed to create a sanctuary inside its luxury vehicles, the manufacturer is testing a wide range of driver and passenger wellbeing features.

Mood-detection software is the next-generation of Jaguar Land Rover’s existing driver tracking technology. The Driver Condition Monitor – capable of detecting when the driver is starting to feel drowsy and giving an early warning to take a break – is available on all Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles.