01/04/2017, Fountain Valley, CA
- Hyundai Motor reveals a health and mobility concept cockpit to cultivate the well-being of drivers when commuting or traveling.
- The cockpit has biometric sensing technology and is designed to create an in-car experience to support a positive mental state of the driver.
- Hyundai Motor presents this Healthcare Cockpit concept through an immersive virtual reality room at CES 2017.
Jan. 4, 2017 – Hyundai Motor Company has revealed its future vision for health-conscious vehicles that connects mobility and wellness by creating in-car conditions that increase focus or relaxation. Unveiled at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, ‘Health + Mobility Cockpit’ is a concept enabled by the monitoring of health and related indicators to help manage the stress and other negative effects of driving.
In the near future, a series of sensors throughout the car could monitor the physical and mental state of the driver, detecting everything from the driver’s posture to their respiratory rate and breathing depth. Also the car could measure heart-rate variability for stress response, and use eye tracking and facial feature recognition to track alertness and emotional state. To promote mental awareness and focus, the car could then respond by delivering a customized multi-sensory experience.
Commenting on Hyundai Motor’s focus on the wellbeing of its customers, John Suh, Head of Hyundai Ventures said, “For many the daily commute leads to stress, frustration, and the feeling of wasted time. In addition to automating the driving task, technology can also be used to shift a driver’s state of mind by creating conditions that cultivate a safer and healthier mental state, boosting their focus or helping them relax while traveling so that drivers might be less fatigued when arriving at their destination.”
Sensory ‘bursts’ create distinct micro experiences
Micro experiences are delivered through ‘Mood Bursts’ that can be used to create a variety of physical and mental responses. If the Healthcare Cockpit’s sensors detect that the driver is losing concentration at the wheel, an ‘Alert Burst’ can be triggered to engage them. Or if sensor data shows the driver is in traffic or the driver has elevated stress levels, a ‘Calm Burst’ can be activated to boost relaxation.
Most importantly Mood Bursts can be personalized, choreographed experiences to create a desired physical or mental impact. Sensory ‘bursts’ create distinct, contrasting moments rather than prolonged environmental change. Mood bursts combine two or more of the following micro experiences to create various driver responses:
Posture – In response to data that suggests the driver is losing focus or alertness, the driver’s seat can automatically adjust to a more upright position. Alternatively, if sensors detect driver discomfort or agitation, activate pneumatic lumbar systems can massage the driver’s lower back to promote relaxation.
Scent – Combining a range of different scents can elicit a variety of driver responses as deemed necessary by the health and wellness monitoring systems. For example, lavender or eucalyptus-based aromas can calm a driver, while smells such as cedar or peppermint can energize and invigorate the senses.
Light – In the same way as dawn stimulates the senses to wake the body, varying levels of warm and cool lighting can spread across the dashboard to impact alertness and mood.
Temperature – Contrasting temperatures can calm or invigorate the driver as required, so the Healthcare Cockpit can sense the ambient temperature of the car and direct cooler or warmer air towards the driver to alter responsiveness or enhance comfort.
Sound – One of the most effective sensory micro experiences utilizes sound to engage the driver’s senses or to de-escalate a stressful environment. The car’s music and radio applications are able to sync with the Healthcare Cockpit’s sensors to create relaxed or dynamic environments. Alongside the type of sounds played, volume can increase during an ‘Alert Burst’, while softer, acoustic music can be paired with a ‘Calm Burst’.
Focused intention creates a purposeful commute
Hyundai’s health and mobility concepts allow drivers to intentionally shift modes for increased personal productivity or relaxation. Many distractions are inside the car, so the Healthcare Cockpit uses the following modes to help drivers be both safe and productive without having to take their eyes off the road:
Enrichment – Integrated smartphone applications curate discovery playlists of new music, radio stations, podcasts and news stories.
Connection – Hands-free conversation with family and friends reduces isolation and keeps drivers connected to the world outside of the car.
Reflection – One-touch recording allows drivers to be alone with their thoughts, and capture them when inspiration strikes.
Check-list – Small but necessary tasks are accomplished through voice commands and smartphone integration.
The Hyundai Motor booth at CES presents an immersive virtual reality experience for visitors to discover how their mood can be shifted through a combination of sensory outputs. Showcasing its vision for future mobility, Hyundai Motor also presents a working connected car concept and a virtual reality autonomous driving simulation to demonstrate how its connected platform operates.