Emotionally sensitive satellite navigation systems in development?

[Haltech]

Filed under: Etc., Technology



It's one of the great ironies of our age that many of the devices that were crafted to make our lives easier are more prone to catapulting us into fits of blinding rage. Anyone who's been led astray by satellite navigation knows exactly what we're talking about. But what if your devices knew that you were upset with them and could alter their behavior accordingly? Researchers at Cambridge University are working on new technology that could create emotionally-sensitive robotics to reduce driver distraction and curb road rage.

The tech uses a range of sensors to detect everything from facial expressions to hand gestures and even the user's tone of voice. Researchers are hoping that in the future, vehicles will be able to uses similar data to decrease the volume of the radio or mute cell phone calls if they sense that the driver is upset or agitated. Still, don't expect your next new car to be able to sense your emotional state. According to The Daily Telegraph, mainstream application of the tech is still long way off.

[Source: The Telegraph]Emotionally sensitive satellite navigation systems in development? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 17:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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