The Western European countries have more vehicles per capita as compared to the U.S. This does not mean that the influence of the automotive industry is less in the U.S. It is increasingly becoming crucial to secure vehicles with respect to theft and unauthorized entry and there is an increasing need to incorporate more advanced features in driver assistance systems to prevent the passengers from any mishap because of a human error.

Biometrics driver identification system helps measure and analyze the behavioral and physiological traits of humans. This biometric driver dentification further helps dissect and recognize the individual with their unique characteristics such as iris scanner can be used to monitor and cross reference the eye with actual owner of the car. In the automotive industry, biometrics such as fingerprint based ignition system, biometric driver identification system, iris scanners and others is primarily used to provide vehicular security. For securing vehicle entry, Volvo and BMW have developed fingerprint recognition, fingerprint based ignition system and palm vein recognition systems. On the other hand, Volkswagen has developed a facial recognition technology for biometric driver authentication. The advent of cutting-edge identification technology, such as ECG, is expected to improve driver identification and authentication. Nymi has developed a biometric driver identification system using a wrist band that captures the heat beat signature of a user. Once the user heartbeat is paired with a wristband, no one else can use the band again. This can be further employed for a wide range of applications such as authorizing secure entry inside the vehicle.

Audi has introduced biometric driver identification system called Audi Fit Driver a wearable device to monitor driver health. Whereas Ford has joined hands with Medtronics to develop voice-controlled devices that can monitor the glucose level of diabetes patients when they drive.

Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) will be one of the major applications for biometrics in the future. Sensors will help monitor the driver vitals and alert the system of any abnormalities. Ford has developed biometric driver identification system using an estimator based on the workload, which employs data attributes such as driver fatigue level, pedal input, and also considers the density of traffic to assess the driver’s stress level.

Vigo, a US-based company, has developed biometric driver identification system using headset with iris scanner which monitors head movements and eye movements with the help of an infrared sensor. It monitors the eye and head movement to analyze the driver’s drowsy state and alerts the driver with the help of vibration, music, or flashlight.

Technology is evolving at a steady pace and will play a critical role in the future to provide good mobility experience to the vehicle owners. The automakers are focusing on building biometric technology in-house. This will help them keep the cars more safe and secure and increase brand value.