Sensor Network And AI Algorithms Help Manage Traffic Congestion

Stress While Driving Sensor Network and AI Algorithms Help Manage Traffic Congestion

2025-11-04 From Hendrik Härter | Translated by AI 3 min Reading Time

Related Vendors

dataTec AG

tmts2026-ticec-banner-en-2000px (https://www.tmts.tw/en)

Taiwan Machine Tool & Accessory Builders' Association (TMBA)

SIMTOS (Seoul International Machine Tool Show)

The cognitive load while driving a car can be monitored using sensors and AI algorithms. Once the stress level reaches its limit, the technology is set to assist people in the future. Pilots or surgeons in operating rooms could also benefit.

The miniaturized maphera sensor node without a housing records an ECG. By connecting two circuit boards, the individual sensor nodes can be adapted for further applications.(Image: Fraunhofer IIS / Stephan Göb) — The miniaturized maphera sensor node without a housing records an ECG. By connecting two circuit boards, the individual sensor nodes can be adapted for further applications.
(Image: Fraunhofer IIS / Stephan Göb)

When driving, we should focus on traffic. But in everyday life, the reality is often different. Studies show that cognitive distraction is one of the invisible but common causes of accidents. 40% of drivers admit to using their phones to make calls or read messages while driving, which increases cognitive load and raises the risk of accidents.

Against this backdrop, researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS in Erlangen (Germany) are working on innovative systems to support drivers in road traffic.

For this purpose, they are developing two technologies: A sensor network measures biosignals such as pulse, breathing rate, or movements. AI algorithms detect when a person reaches the limit of their individual cognitive load capacity.

The evaluation of biosignals was developed using studies in which researchers investigated the correlation between biosignals and cognitive load in test subjects.

In practical use, the system can ensure that the vehicle's electronics take over certain tasks from the driver, for example, thereby reducing complexity or simply recommending a break at the next rest area.

Detection of Cognitive Load Through Sensors

The 'maphera' sensor network allows for measuring the body's biosignals even outside the laboratory. It can be individually adapted depending on the application.(Image: Fraunhofer IIS) — The 'maphera' sensor network allows for measuring the body's biosignals even outside the laboratory. It can be individually adapted depending on the application.
(Image: Fraunhofer IIS)

The centrally developed system is based on a mobile, multimodal sensor network called 'maphera.' "We have integrated a variety of different sensors into a system that not only works in the lab but is also mobile and therefore applicable in various contexts. Accordingly, 'maphera' is modular in design. Depending on the application or need, we combine a wide range of sensors," explains Norman Pfeiffer, Head of Medical Sensor Systems at Fraunhofer IIS.

The sensor systems can be integrated into textiles or, for example, into wristbands and so-called smart patches. These are small, usually skin-adhesive sensors that continuously monitor biosignals. The data is transmitted via Bluetooth LE (Low Energy).

Technical Challenges and Synchronization

Unobtrusive while driving: The driver wears a sensor node on their wrist and an ECG chest strap under their shirt. The user interface of 'maphera' is displayed on the tablet, showing the data in real-time.(Image: Fraunhofer IIS / Paul Pulkert) — Unobtrusive while driving: The driver wears a sensor node on their wrist and an ECG chest strap under their shirt. The user interface of 'maphera' is displayed on the tablet, showing the data in real-time.
(Image: Fraunhofer IIS / Paul Pulkert)

A technical challenge lies in ensuring the temporal synchronization of the sensor data. For long-term measurements, such as those that occur while driving, clock frequency drifts of the microcontrollers must be accounted for. Fraunhofer IIS has managed to process the data with a synchronization tolerance of just 30 µs, which underscores the name Maphèra, derived from Ancient Greek for "simultaneously transmitted."

The second part of the research project focuses on the relationship between biosignals and cognitive load. The test subjects sit in an exposure cabin where they are undisturbed by external influences such as temperature changes, drafts, or noise. Here, they solve tasks of increasing difficulty. Participants are also allowed to play computer games for this purpose.

As a chef or kitchen staff member in the sushi restaurant, they take orders and prepare a sushi dish. Over time, the number of orders and the complexity of the dishes increase. Meanwhile, sensors record the body's biosignals. The collected data is combined with the so-called n-back test, a standard psychological test that assesses cognitive abilities such as attention and memory. Following the tests, individual interviews with the test subjects are conducted.

Dr. Nadine Lang-Richter, group leader for Medical Data Analysis at Fraunhofer IIS, says: "In the final step, we compile all the information and analyze it using AI algorithms that we have developed ourselves. This allows us to create an individual cognitive load profile of the person."

Practical Applications and Further Developments

The potential applications of this technology extend far beyond the automotive sector. As camera-based driver monitoring systems will be mandatory in new vehicles from 2026 under EU regulations, this offers groundbreaking implementation opportunities. Additionally, pilots could benefit from individualized stress profiles during their training, and surgeons could be supported during lengthy operations. (heh)

Subscribe to the newsletter now

Don't Miss out on Our Best Content

Business E-mail

Please enter a valid mailadress.

By clicking on „Subscribe to Newsletter“ I agree to the processing and use of my data according to the consent form (please expand for details) and accept the Terms of Use. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy. The consent declaration relates, among other things, to the sending of editorial newsletters by email and to data matching for marketing purposes with selected advertising partners (e.g., LinkedIn, Google, Meta)

Date: 08.12.2025

Naturally, we always handle your personal data responsibly. Any personal data we receive from you is processed in accordance with applicable data protection legislation. For detailed information please see our privacy policy.

Consent to the use of data for promotional purposes

I hereby consent to Vogel Communications Group GmbH & Co. KG, Max-Planck-Str. 7-9, 97082 Würzburg including any affiliated companies according to §§ 15 et seq. AktG (hereafter: Vogel Communications Group) using my e-mail address to send editorial newsletters. A list of all affiliated companies can be found here

Newsletter content may include all products and services of any companies mentioned above, including for example specialist journals and books, events and fairs as well as event-related products and services, print and digital media offers and services such as additional (editorial) newsletters, raffles, lead campaigns, market research both online and offline, specialist webportals and e-learning offers. In case my personal telephone number has also been collected, it may be used for offers of aforementioned products, for services of the companies mentioned above, and market research purposes.

Additionally, my consent also includes the processing of my email address and telephone number for data matching for marketing purposes with select advertising partners such as LinkedIn, Google, and Meta. For this, Vogel Communications Group may transmit said data in hashed form to the advertising partners who then use said data to determine whether I am also a member of the mentioned advertising partner portals. Vogel Communications Group uses this feature for the purposes of re-targeting (up-selling, cross-selling, and customer loyalty), generating so-called look-alike audiences for acquisition of new customers, and as basis for exclusion for on-going advertising campaigns. Further information can be found in section “data matching for marketing purposes”.

In case I access protected data on Internet portals of Vogel Communications Group including any affiliated companies according to §§ 15 et seq. AktG, I need to provide further data in order to register for the access to such content. In return for this free access to editorial content, my data may be used in accordance with this consent for the purposes stated here. This does not apply to data matching for marketing purposes.

Right of revocation

I understand that I can revoke my consent at will. My revocation does not change the lawfulness of data processing that was conducted based on my consent leading up to my revocation. One option to declare my revocation is to use the contact form found at https://contact.vogel.de. In case I no longer wish to receive certain newsletters, I have subscribed to, I can also click on the unsubscribe link included at the end of a newsletter. Further information regarding my right of revocation and the implementation of it as well as the consequences of my revocation can be found in the data protection declaration, section editorial newsletter.