Australian advanced computer vision technology specialist Seeing Machines, which designs AI-powered operator monitoring systems to improve transport safety, has announced that its Guardian Generation 3 driver safety system has been recognised for its exceptional design and innovation as part of the 2024 Australian Good Design Awards, receiving the Winner accolade in the Product Design category.
The company explains that Guardian Generation 3 is the latest version of its driver fatigue and distraction technology solution, and leverages its automotive-grade technology with early drowsiness and refined microsleep detection alongside eye-tracking to protect drivers from the risks associated with drowsy and distracted driving.
The theme of this year’s Awards, ‘the Design Effect,’ underscored the crucial role design plays in shaping better products, services, spaces, and experiences while driving the transition to a more sustainable, less carbon-intensive future, the company said, adding that the awards also highlighted how design not only enhances functionality and aesthetics but can contribute significantly to business success and societal advancement.
Entries were evaluated by a panel of more than 80 jurors from around the world, including designers, engineers, architects, and industry leaders. The jury said of Guardian Generation 3: “Seeing Machines’ Guardian Generation 3 reduces drowsy driving risks by over 94% with advanced drowsiness and distraction detection. It alerts drivers in real-time, enhancing safety in commercial vehicles. The jury praised the Guardian Generation 3 for its ground-breaking technology and meticulous industrial design. Its focus on reducing driving risks and improving safety through advanced detection systems represents a significant advancement in vehicle safety technology. It’s great to see this leading-edge technology coupled with world-class design. Well done.”
Managing Director of Good Design Australia Rachel Wye remarked, “This year’s Awards reflect the profound ripple effects that exceptional design can have on people, place and planet. The projects honoured in these Awards exemplify how thoughtful design can drive meaningful change, not only enhancing user experiences and the way people interact with the world, but also contributing to a more sustainable and more prosperous future. The Australian Good Design Awards are proud to recognise the truly inspirational work that is being done across different design disciplines, sectors and industries in Australia and overseas.”
General Manager for Aftermarket sales Max Verberne added: “Being recognised by the 2024 Good Design Awards is testament to the industry-leading, AI-driven technology we have developed over the past 20-plus years, used to enhance driver safety in the transport and logistics sector. We are proud to hear the jurors’ comments, which underline our strategic mission to reduce road accidents and get people home safely.”
Guardian Generation 3, launched in 2024, also complies with Europe’s General Safety Regulations (GSR).
Seeing Machines says that it believes that every commercial vehicle should be fitted with technology that reliably detects and responds to driver drowsiness. It has started to roll out Guardian Generation 3 in Europe, targeting commercial vehicle OEMs, as they meet GSR requirements. The initial focus will be to ensure compliance with Driver Drowsiness and Attention Warning, followed by Advanced Driver Distraction Warning.