Automotive interiors possess a new kind of intelligence, enabled by sensing technologies and advanced software. In-cabin sensing and autonomous driving software are two specific areas researched by IDTechEx in the portfolio of Robotics & Autonomy Research Reports and Subscriptions, which covers a whole range of innovative technologies.
The DMS and OMS with in-cabin sensing
In-cabin sensing is a term which encompasses two overarching systems, the driver monitoring system (DMS) and the occupant monitoring system (OMS). Hands-on wheel detection is one feature specific to the DMS, where the car can sense with capacitive touch sensors whether the driver has their hands on the wheel. ECG sensors can also be fitted within the steering wheel to track the heart rate of the driver to monitor stress levels alongside the use of infrared cameras to track gaze, head motion, eyelid activity, and drowsiness. These infrared features also cross over somewhat into the OMS, which also incorporates, like the DMS, Time of Flight (ToF) cameras for applications like gesture control, occupancy detection for unattended children, vital sign detection for the wellbeing of passengers in the back seats, facial recognition, movement tracking, and fatigue detection. Within the OMS, radar is also a technology deployed to achieve much the same goal.
The in-cabin sensing system as a whole works to optimize the wellbeing of all passengers, while recent trends highlighted in IDTechEx's report, "In-Cabin Sensing 2025-2035: Technologies, Opportunities, and Markets", include the combination of AI with in-cabin sensing for optimal experiences such as facial recognition for advanced biometric authentication features for payments through the car. When the car identifies that the driver appears drowsy, it could suggest ordering a coffee to collect at the next service station, which could be paid for prior to collection for a streamlined experience. The trend of increasing personalization within vehicles for enhanced ease and comfort is becoming more of a possibility with AI integration, which can also allow for more nuanced interpretations of driver welfare, picking up on stress levels through voice tone or gestures and offering more personalized and contextual solutions. The integration of AI could also bring overall costs of production down by reducing the need for some sensors such as ToF cameras, as AI detecting voices alongside other sensing technologies could prove to be more effective than just monitoring gesture control.
Advancing autonomy - Level 2+, Level 3, and robotaxis
With advancing vehicle autonomy levels, in-cabin sensing technologies will also play a vital role in keeping passengers safe. Drivers are able to remove their hands from the wheel while keeping eyes on the road with Level 2+, meaning the car will simultaneously need eyes on the driver to ensure they are complying with these regulations. IDTechEx's report, "Autonomous Driving Software and AI in Automotive 2026-2046: Technologies, Markets, Players", provides information on the developments happening within the vehicle autonomy sector, highlighting that the shift to Level 3, where drivers may also take their eyes off the road, will bring about liability difficulties for vehicle OEMs. Level 2+ is now available across the US, Europe, and China, and Level 3 flagship models already exist within these regions. Privately owned Level 3 vehicles are also allowed on public roads in China, with developments on the go for increased deployment soon. Robotaxis, or Level 4 vehicles, are also available within the US and China, demonstrating a global movement towards widespread vehicle autonomy and innovations ongoing within the sector.
For more information, visit IDTechEx's portfolio of Robotics & Autonomy Research Reports and Subscriptions for the latest research, players, and developments across vehicle and robotics sectors.
