Researchers at Ford's Automotive Wearables Experience laboratory, in Dearborn, Mich., are examining the potential to link vital health information to in-vehicle technologies, including blind spot information and lane-keeping assist systems.

“As more consumers embrace smart watches, glasses and fitness bands, we hope to develop future applications that work with those devices to enhance in-car functionality and driver awareness,” says Gary Strumolo, Ford's global manager for vehicle design and infotronics.

The wearables lab is examining ways to signal a driver of the potential need to take driving control back from the vehicle. Image credit: Ford.Lane-keeping assist, for instance, could become more sensitive if a smart watch sends data to the vehicle conveying that the driver didn’t get enough sleep the previous night. Or, if a driver’s heart rate increases as traffic intensifies, the vehicle’s adaptive cruise control or blind spot information system could increase the distance between vehicles—giving the driver additional room.

“Wearable technology integrated with the vehicle allows for more accurate biometric data to stream continuously and alert active driver-assist systems to become more sensitive if the driver shows signs of compromised health or awareness,” says Strumolo.

The ability to measure wakefulness and health data such as blood pressure, blood glucose and heart rate via wearable technology also could benefit semi-autonomous driving features.

The wearables lab is examining ways to signal a driver, using semi-autonomous features, of the potential need to take driving control back from the vehicle. If there were road construction or an accident ahead—a situation requiring a human at the wheel—the technology could send a wrist vibration or chimes, or activate flashing lights on the dash.

Researchers are also testing voice control for the smart watch version of MyFord Mobile, which allows drivers to remotely start, lock, unlock and locate their vehicle via their watch app. The lab is integrating voice commands to the app to allow for smart watch owners to use these features without touching their watch or phone.