Biometric Sensor Optimization

Overview

Ford Motor Company has been trying to find ways to improve the cabin experience in their vehicles. Their interest is to incorporate the use of biosensing to provide a more personalized comfortable environment. As a result of the increase in autonomous features in the industry, Ford is hoping to move ahead of the competition to invoke more intimate relationships with their customers.

Objectives

– Determine priority biometrics that will improve customer experience

– Identify sensors that are needed and where they need to be packaged in the cabin interior

– Propose use of biosensing to instruct user interactions for enhanced cabin experiences.

Approach

– Discuss with sponsor to understand scope and requirements for minimum viable product

– Conduct survey to gather data on current and desired biometric usage

– Research available biometric sensors on the market that match our use case

– Analyse data to determine the most suitable metric(s) to use in relation to comfort

– Brainstorm possible ways to use biometrics to improve cabin environment

– Create proposal using the metric(s) to enhance and improve customer experience

– Construct CAD models to further illustrate our proposal and sensor placement

– Polish our proposal by adding data sheet, setup, and usage manuals

Outcomes

– Incorporated three primary biometric sensors into cabin interior: heart rate hand grips, pulse oximeter, temperature sensor

– Developed innovative automotive feature: location-integrated stress mapping

– Total cost of materials estimated as less than $200 per vehicle

– CAD models for demonstrate how the sensors are positioned in the cabin interior