How This Futuristic Audi Could Save You in an Emergency
If we learned anything from CES, it’s that the smart, stylish, wearable tech (and just plain weird tech) spotted in Vegas last week shouldn’t stay in Vegas, but should find its way to everyday consumers to improve their lives. Car manufacturer Audi promised to do just that, unveiling its plans for a vehicle sensor system that will turn your car into a totally sick personal health manager. Dubbed the “Fit Driver,” the tech would customize the driving experience like never seen before, going so far as to call for emergency help to get you out of sticky situations on the road.
The Fit Driver was born out of Audi’s vision of a “future in which drivers leave their cars more relaxed than when they entered them.” To that end, their forthcoming tech would rely on a wearable in conjunction with built-in car sensors to help you monitor your health and fitness on the road. A smart watch or fitness wristband would monitor a driver’s key vital stats like heart rate and skin temperature. Vehicle sensors would combine this data with metrics on driving style, breathing rate, weather and traffic. By extrapolating this data, the Fit Driver would deduce whether you’re stressed out or fatigued. If elevated stress or fatigue levels are detected, the car’s internal systems would kick in to help you chill out and keep you safe at the wheel.
How exactly would the Fit Driver calm you down? Audi says it would offer the driver climate control, “infotainment,” interior lighting and even an invigorating seat massage. An in-car personal masseuse? Umm… yes please! But that’s not all. If the Fit Driver senses you’re stressed, it can even offer up video-based breathing exercises through a biofeedback system. When you’re caught in gridlock, the Fit Driver can recommend a nearby rest stop to get you out of traffic and into your zen place again. And if you’re having a health crisis at the wheel, the Audi Fit Driver will even act as your emergency contact, because Audi says that “in a later project phase,” the Fit Driver will incorporate the ability to execute an emergency stop and place an emergency call on your behalf in extreme situations.
The Audi Fit Driver hasn’t hit the road yet, so for now, stay safe at the wheel and stay tuned for more coverage on this smart and compassionate car tech.
Do you think stress-free driving will make for safer driving? Tweet us @BritandCo!
(Photos via Audi Illustrated)
