Seeing Machines Ltd (AIM:SEE, OTC:SEEMF) has entered into a new agreement with Mitsubishi Electric’s European division aimed at expanding sales of its Guardian Generation 3 driver monitoring system across the region, as demand grows ahead of new European vehicle safety rules.
The AIM-listed company, which develops technology that tracks driver attention and fatigue using artificial intelligence and computer vision, said the partnership would give it access to Mitsubishi Electric Europe’s established fleet networks and long-standing relationships with commercial vehicle manufacturers.
Guardian Generation 3 is Seeing Machines’ latest in-cabin monitoring product, designed to detect signs of distracted or drowsy driving in real time using sensors and cameras positioned inside the vehicle.
The system is targeted at commercial fleets, and also positions the company to support manufacturers preparing for new EU safety regulations.
For a year now, the European Union’s General Safety Regulation has required new vehicle models to include direct driver monitoring systems.
These are intended to reduce the risk of accidents linked to inattention or fatigue. Guardian also supports compliance with Advanced Driver Distraction Warning requirements, which are part of the same legislation.
Seeing Machines said the collaboration builds on its earlier agreement with Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America, announced in February, which has already begun generating new sales opportunities in the Americas.
CEO Paul McGlone said: "Our relationship with Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America, Inc. is already delivering positive results, as demonstrated by the strong progress we have made in the Americas and the near-term opportunities it's creating.
"Extending this approach into Europe with Mitsubishi Electric Europe represents a natural next step as our broader partnership with Mitsubishi Electric Mobility Corporation continues to grow."
In the same announcement, Seeing Machines said it had renewed its distributor agreement with Connect Source, Australia's largest distributor of Guardian.