Hyundai Mobis said it has developed a radar-based system that detects the presence of rear-seat passengers and alerts drivers.

The "rear occupant alert" system is intended to prevent passengers from being left unattended in rear seats. Hyundai Mobis said its radar sensor is expected to help prevent heatstroke accidents caused every summer by children being left unattended in vehicles.

The system relies on a software algorithm that discerns even slight movements of passengers, including biosignals such as the movement of passengers' chests as they breathe and blood flow. The radar also can help overcome the weakness of a camera sensor, which typically cannot recognize babies covered in blankets.

If a passenger is left in the rear seat, the passenger detection system alerts the driver with the sound made when the door is closed, or through the instrument panel or smartphone. The system can distinguish among adults, infants and pets.

The company said it plans to propose the system to global automakers this year. It also plans to develop a radar capable of measuring passenger heartbeats and expand the biometric function.

Hyundai Mobis is a leading automotive supplier and is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. It has more than 30,000 employees and has manufacturing operations in more than 30 regions in 10 countries including South Korea, China, Germany, India and the United States.