Driver inattention remains one of the toughest safety challenges in automotive. With Euro NCAP’s 2030 protocols set to include cognitive distraction, the industry is being pushed beyond visual detection into broader inattention management. Seeing Machines is leading that shift — and for the first time in years, they’ll showcase their technology live at InCabin Europe 2025. Read the full blog below. ⬇
Managing Driver Inattention
Driver inattention remains one of the toughest safety challenges facing the automotive industry. While today’s driver monitoring systems (DMS) have made significant strides in detecting visual distraction, the more subtle “eyes-on, mind-off” phenomenon continues to pose risks. Cognitive distraction and mental overload can impair awareness just as severely as looking away from the road, contributing to crashes often classified as Looked But Failed To See (LBFTS) incidents.
With Euro NCAP’s 2030 protocols set to include cognitive distraction assessment, the industry is being pushed to expand beyond visual detection into a broader framework of inattention management. This requires monitoring systems that not only track where drivers are looking but also interpret their cognitive state and adapt interventions in real time.
Fidelity as the Differentiator
The future of DMS lies in fidelity — the ability to capture nuanced behavioural signals, interpret them accurately, and respond appropriately across diverse driving contexts. High-fidelity monitoring can reveal subtle ocular indicators of disengagement, recognise when attentional resources are depleted, and support threshold-based intervention models.
Different strategies are emerging. Some OEMs and suppliers are exploring multi-sensor, multi-modal approaches. Others, like Seeing Machines, are pushing the limits of what a single, integrated sensor can deliver, using advanced algorithms to emulate 3D sensing and extend coverage beyond the driver to the entire cabin.
Seeing Machines: From Research to Real-World Impact
As explored in our behind-the-scenes feature at their Canberra HQ and our interview with Dr Mike Lenné, Seeing Machines has built its reputation on combining human factors expertise with cutting-edge engineering. Their systems already detect complex behaviours such as yawning, smoking, or partial face occlusion, and extend monitoring capabilities to passengers — identifying child presence, seatbelt misuse, and conditions relevant to airbag deployment.
Crucially, the company plays an active role in shaping industry standards, with Dr Lenné serving on the NCAP Occupant Status Monitoring Working Group. Their ongoing research into attention modelling and cognitive load places them at the centre of the debate on how Euro NCAP protocols should evolve.
A Rare Opportunity at InCabin Europe 2025
Seeing Machines’ technology is usually experienced behind closed doors by OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and regulators. Public demonstrations are rare. That’s why their participation at InCabin Europe 2025 is such an exciting development.
For the first time in years, attendees will have the opportunity to see a live demo of Seeing Machines’ advanced monitoring system on the exhibition floor, alongside their presentation Driver (In)Attention Management Approach to Address “Eyes-on Mind-off” Crashes
The session will examine how high-fidelity monitoring can be seamlessly embedded into vehicles, ensuring Euro NCAP compliance while also supporting broader inattention management strategies. For industry professionals, it’s a chance to engage directly with one of the most influential players in the field and to see, up close, the kind of technology that will define the road to 2030.
Don’t Miss It
DMS is entering a new phase where fidelity, compliance, and driver acceptance intersect. As Euro NCAP raises the bar, the industry needs proven approaches that can deliver both scientific rigour and everyday usability. Seeing Machines’ rare live demo at InCabin Europe offers exactly that: an insider’s look at the future of in-cabin safety.
Join us at InCabin Europe 2025 to experience Seeing Machines live. This is a rare opportunity you won’t want to miss!
Interested in exterior sensing technology?
With a pass to InCabin Europe, you’ll also get full access to our co-located sister event, AutoSens. Take a look at the leading line-up of Speakers at AutoSens Europe here >>
