AI and Automotive Security: A Deep Dive into Real‑Time Driver Safety Systems

As automotive technology strides toward a future of autonomous vehicles and connected ecosystems, the importance of in‑cabin safety systems has never been greater. While modern ADAS protects against external hazards, driver monitoring systems (DMS) focus inward—tracking driver behavior, mental state, and even emotional wellness to prevent accidents before they happen. Powered by edge AI, these systems are rapidly becoming mandatory.  

This article explores how AI is being leveraged to tackle rising safety concerns inside vehicles, the technological approaches behind these innovations, and how TMA Solutions' T-DMS (TMA Driver Monitoring System) is driving this transformation.

Current Situation

The global road safety landscape remains alarming. In 2023, the World Health Organization reported 1.19 million traffic-related deaths and 20–50 million non-fatal injuries. Data from 2024 indicates little improvement. In Vietnam, the situation is especially concerning: from December 15, 2023, to August 14, 2024, there were over 16,000 accidents, causing 7,077 deaths and 12,248 injuries. If this trend continues, Vietnam may reach 24,000 accidents, 10,600 deaths, and 18,400 injuries by year-end—an increase in accidents and injuries compared to 2023. These figures, from the National Traffic Safety Committee, highlight an urgent need for smarter, AI-powered in-vehicle safety systems. Key causes include:

• Human Factors: Drowsiness, distraction, and impaired driving account for a significant portion of accidents.

• External Threats: Robbery, physical intimidation, and sudden medical emergencies exacerbate risks.

• Economic Impact: The financial burden of accidents, including healthcare costs and property damage, runs into billions annually. 

Mandates & Market Adoption

• Vietnam has also issued circulars on installing driver monitoring cameras for cars and transport business vehicles from 2025.

• New EU regulations mandate in‑cab driver monitoring cameras in all new vehicle models starting 2024, with full compliance by mid‑2026.

• Australian and Indian public transport authorities are also deploying AI‑powered monitoring for fatigue and distraction.

Market and Potential

• The global AI in automotive market size was valued at approximately $3.3 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $20.0 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of around 37.4%.

• 75% of new vehicles are expected to incorporate some form of AI technology by 2030.

• AI-powered driver-assist systems reduce accidents by up to 30%.

• Over 60% of automotive OEMs are investing in AI to enhance vehicle safety and driver experience.

• 65% of consumers are willing to pay more for vehicles equipped with AI-based safety features. 

Overview of AI Capabilities

Artificial intelligence is transforming automotive safety by enabling real-time monitoring and rapid response to potential risks. AI systems analyze driver behavior, vehicle environments, and external threats, delivering actionable insights to enhance safety. These technologies are designed to operate efficiently on compact, cost-effective devices, ensuring accessibility across various vehicle types. Key capabilities include:

• Driver Monitoring: AI continuously observes the driver’s state, identifying signs of fatigue or distraction to prevent accidents.

• Behavior Analysis: Systems detect objects or activities within the vehicle cabin that may divert attention, ensuring focus on the road.

• Emergency Detection: AI recognizes distress signals or dangerous situations, facilitating swift communication with response systems.

• Efficient Processing: Advanced algorithms run seamlessly on low-power hardware, supporting real-time performance in diverse conditions.

• Scalable Integration: Solutions are compatible with multiple platforms, enabling easy adoption in existing automotive systems.

Core Solutions for Driver Safety

Drowsiness Detection Systems

Drowsiness detection systems are critical for preventing fatigue-related accidents. These solutions monitor the driver’s state in real time, issuing alerts when signs of tiredness are detected. Key features include:

• Continuous Monitoring: Analyzes driver behavior to identify fatigue indicators.

• Immediate Alerts: Triggers audible warnings to prompt the driver to stay alert.

• Reliable Performance: Operates effectively in real-world driving conditions, with processing times suitable for practical use.

Distraction Monitoring

Distraction monitoring systems ensure drivers remain focused by identifying behaviors that divert attention. These solutions include:

• Behavioral Detection: Recognizes activities like phone usage or eating that compromise safety.

• Real-Time Warnings: Issues instant alerts to refocus the driver.

• Environmental Robustness: Maintains accuracy in complex vehicle interiors, even with multiple objects present.

SOS and Emergency Response

Emergency detection systems enhance safety by addressing critical situations, such as threats or medical emergencies. Core functionalities include:

• Distress Signal Recognition: Identifies specific gestures or actions indicating a need for help.

• Emergency Communication: Sends critical data, such as location and images, to response systems for rapid intervention.

• Threat Detection: Flags potential dangers, escalating alerts to ensure timely action.

Scalable Architecture

Driver safety solutions are designed for flexibility and integration:

• Compact Deployment: Operates on affordable, low-power devices, reducing costs for manufacturers and consumers.

• Platform Compatibility: Supports various operating systems and hardware types for broad applicability.

• System Integration: Offers interfaces for seamless incorporation into existing automotive ecosystems, enhancing functionality. 

Overview

TMA Solutions’ T-DMS (Driver Monitoring System) is an advanced in-vehicle AI platform engineered to enhance driver safety through real-time surveillance and rapid response. Deployed on edge devices like Jetson Orin Nano Super, Raspberry Pi 4B, and Zero 2W, T-DMS integrates sophisticated AI models and algorithms to deliver a modular, cost-effective alternative to high-end automotive cameras. Targeting individual drivers and corporate fleets, the system offers comprehensive features, including drowsiness detection, distraction monitoring, and SOS signal recognition, supported by a robust alert system and emergency server connectivity. 

Technical Implementation

T-DMS leverages cutting-edge AI techniques and optimized algorithms to ensure high performance on resource-constrained devices:

Drowsiness Detection:

• Face Detection: Utilizes Lightweight AI model to locate the driver’s face in video frames, processing regions of interest (ROI) for further analysis.

• Pupil Detection: Employs lightweight neural networks to monitor eye openness, determining alertness states (awake, drowsy, or asleep).

• Sleepy Algorithm: Combines facial and eye data to trigger audible alerts via speakers when drowsiness is detected, implemented in C++ for low-latency execution. 

Distraction Monitoring:

• AI model: Uses AI models to identify distracting objects, Eye Direction, and Hand Landmark within the vehicle cabin.

• Distraction Algorithm: Combine output of AI model and design Algorithm to detect distraction in real context.

• Alert System: Multi-threaded C++ implementation issues real-time warnings through speakers, optimized for TensorFlow Lite to minimize computational overhead. 

SOS Signal Detection:

• Hand Pose Detection: Employs Hand landmark detection to recognize SOS gestures, processed via a Hand SOS Signal.

• Dangerous Situation Detection: AI Model identifies threats like threatened and controlled with weapons, escalating alerts.

• Emergency Communication: Captures images, GPS coordinates, and timestamps, transmitting data to a web server via APIs, supported by multi-threading for real-time performance. 

Optimization Techniques:

• Lightweight Models: XML-based Haar cascades and TensorFlow Lite models reduce computational requirements, enabling deployment on edge devices.

• Embedded Programming: Written in Embedded C/C++, ensuring efficient execution and cross-platform compatibility (ARM, x86_64, aarch64).

• Multi-Threading: Enhances processing speed and multi-tasking

Benefits of T‑DMS

T-DMS delivers significant value to its target markets:

• Individual clients - Product:

  • Affordable safety solution for standard vehicles, priced competitively against alternative products on the market

  • High accuracy in complex environments, enhancing driver confidence.

• Corporate clients - Solution:

  • Scalable software package for automotive manufacturers and fleet operators, with APIs for seamless integration.

  • Cross-platform support reduces deployment costs across diverse hardware.

• Market Fit:

  • Addresses the gap for affordable in-vehicle AI cameras, with the market projected to grow tenfold by 2033.

  • Modular design and LTE/Wi-Fi connectivity appeal to cost-conscious buyers in Asia, Europe, and North America. 

The convergence of edge AI, computer vision, and human-centric design is transforming vehicle interiors into intelligent guardians. By proactively monitoring for fatigue, distraction, and emergencies, systems like T‑DMS fill a critical gap left untouched by traditional ADAS.

Through cost-effective deployment, real-time responsiveness, and privacy-aware design, TMA Solutions positions itself as a leader in real-time driver safety. As regulations catch up and public trust grows, we believe AI‑driven driver monitoring will become as fundamental as airbags, redefining safety for the next generation of mobility.