A Novosibirsk-based company is preparing to launch a new product called SleepControl, a smart watch that can monitor and control a driver's fatigue level. The developers claim that their invention has numerous advantages over foreign and domestic counterparts.
The smart watch monitors the driver's fatigue by analyzing their pulse rate. It is also equipped with an alcohol sensor. The device collects data, which can be accessed by transportation company managers to monitor their employees.
"Our device measures the pulse rate and determines the driver's fatigue level based on the heart rhythm data. It is powered by an artificial neural network that we trained in various modes," said Ivan Lebedev, the CEO of Elron, to BFM-Novosibirsk. "We needed to obtain a wide range of data on a person's condition, from being fully alert to having not slept for several days. We collected this data during various training sessions and tests. Drivers wore sensors, put on our watches, and drove from Novosibirsk to Berdsk, Iskitim, and other settlements. To reach extreme fatigue levels, we set up a laboratory. A volunteer driver was placed in a closed room and his task was to stay awake all night. Data on his condition was constantly recorded and stored in the database. Now our neural network can recognize different states of a person. If they need rest, the smart watch will alert them."
The developers of the Novosibirsk project highlight the simplicity of their invention as a competitive advantage over existing devices that monitor driver's conditions. They argue that wearing a watch is more convenient than cameras, special caps, and so on. Furthermore, the developers expect that their sleep control smart watches will be more affordable compared to similar products on the market.
"The watches themselves cost around 15,000 rubles, and the complete set with the base station is around 30,000-45,000 rubles. We have made some optimizations, so the device has become slightly cheaper. We also plan to release a modification that will connect to smartphones instead of a base station, which will make it more affordable for transportation companies that can't afford the expense of a base station. We are currently fine-tuning our neural network and plan to release the product by the end of 2024," said Ivan Lebedev.
In response to a question about production localization and the ratio of Russian and foreign components in the smart watches, the company executives stated that all the assembly takes place in Novosibirsk. The SleepControl device uses Russian electronics and casing, while the processor is currently sourced internationally. The project has received support from the regional Ministry of Science and Innovation Policy.
"In the Novosibirsk region, subsidies are provided to innovative companies for the preparation and implementation of technology transfers. The SleepControl project by Elron received support in the amount of 2.8 million rubles in 2021-2022," said Vadim Vasilyev, the Minister of Science and Innovation Policy in the Novosibirsk region. The company estimates that they have invested 14 million rubles into the project.
Previously, BFM-Novosibirsk reported on another invention from Novosibirsk, a VR neurotrainer that is intended for corrective therapy for children with developmental disorders.
