New biosensor in seat belts monitors stress and health levels of drivers

A breakthrough in biosensor technology could enable real-time monitoring of stress and alertness in drivers and pilots. The device was developed by researchers from the National University of Singapore and Tsinghua University and is integrated into seat belts. It tracks heart rate and breathing without the need for direct contact with the skin. This innovation, described in Nature Electronics, promises to improve safety in vehicles and aircraft by reliably collecting heart and lung data, even in dynamic environments.

The device contains metamaterials, which are advanced materials, to optimize signal transmission. Conductive wires in a comb-like pattern are embroidered into the seat belt, allowing radio waves to communicate with the user’s body. Xi Tian, ​​co-author of the studyexplained that this design helps minimize environmental interference, such as vibrations from moving vehicles, while maintaining sensitivity to physiological signals. A processing system was implemented to ensure that the data collected remains consistent and reliable throughout the movement.

Practical testing emphasizes reliability

Tests conducted in a car and an aircraft cabin simulator revealed the biosensor’s ability to adapt to the user’s body and detect physiological signals in challenging conditions. It maintained accuracy during a 1.5-hour vehicle route in Singapore and identified heart rate variations in an aircraft environment, enabling sleep-wake detection. Tian emphasized that these results demonstrate the device’s potential for consistent health monitoring across environments.

Future applications and improvements

Further research is aimed at refining the technology for mass production, with an emphasis on compact and cost-effective designs. Tian stated that collaborations with car manufacturers are planned to validate the system in real-world applications. The development of algorithms to interpret data for fatigue and stress assessments is also underway. This biosensor could become an essential part of transportation and help prevent accidents by ensuring drivers and pilots remain alert.