Twenty-three children died of heatstroke after being left in a vehicle in the United States last year, according to Kids & Cars, a non-profit organization that focuses on preventing injuries and deaths of children in and around vehicles. And in each case, they have seized it, despite obstacles we can scarcely imagine. ” In some cases, children get into vehicles and they get caught unawares.
Toyota on Tuesday announced new technology that could help save a child trapped in a car. The technology, called Cabin Awareness, which is still in the concept stage, uses millimeter-wave and 4D imaging radar to help locate people in the car. Sensors mounted out of sight above the headliner are so sensitive that they can detect heartbeat or breathing, as well as occupants covered by a blanket.
Toyota is still exploring methods that Cabin Awareness can use to alert a car owner, pedestrian or first responders. Nowadays, technology issues warnings like hooks or flashing lights. If these are ignored, it sends a notification to the car owner’s phone and when programmed it can send a warning via smart home device or a designated emergency contact. Further warning options include communicating with first responders through the Toyota Safety Connect Emergency Assistance System Integrated SOS Vehicle function.
Toyota Cabin Awareness Occupant Identification Technology
Toyota Cabin Awareness Occupant Identification Technology
Toyota is testing cabin awareness in a fleet of Siena minivans used by self-driving technology company May Mobility. Minivans are currently being used in parts of Michigan and will soon be deployed in parts of Texas. Additional installations are coming towards the end of 2022.
In the case of Sienna, cabin awareness is able to locate occupants across three rows of seats, as well as in cargo areas and footwells, which means a small child is hiding or possibly even a pet. According to Toyota, the technology is superior to existing systems that rely on seat or camera weight sensors, both of which are prone to false alarms.
In a future self-propelled taxi, cabin awareness could alert a parent when their child or children reach their destination and leave the vehicle. Conversely, the taxi may delay driving to its next customer if it realizes that the current passenger is still in the car after reaching its destination.