You think biometrics belongs in a sci-fi movie? Think again. We’ve been using fingerprint and iris scans for security long enough to know it works. It’s time for that hardware to move into the driver’s seat.
Several biometric systems are already hitting the market. You can buy a seat with 360-degree sensors that map the size and shape of your butt to identify you. There are touchpads that require a fingerprint to verify you’re allowed to turn the key. It’s basic stuff.
But Mitsubishi Electric showed what real car biometrics could look like at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. The EMIRAI concept isn’t just about unlocking doors. It’s about knowing who is behind the wheel and how they’re feeling.
The EMIRAI Concept Explained
This isn’t a prototype sitting in a lab forever. Mitsubishi Electric stated that all this technology could be in mainstream cars by 2022. The EMIRAI concept uses a camera to recognize the driver’s face. An infrared ray takes the temperature of that face. A sensor in the seat measures your heart rate.
It sounds complex. It’s not. The system programs itself based on who gets in.
“Most of the functions take place automatically.”
The car recognizes the authorized driver. Then it moves the seat. It sets the dashboard display. It pulls up your music. It’s personalization without the fumbling with knobs.
Why This Matters for Safety
This isn’t just about convenience. It’s about health monitoring. The temperature and heart rate measurements happen constantly. If the system detects something wrong, it can act. It can move the car to the side of the road. It can summon help if the driver becomes ill.
That’s the real value. You aren’t just locking your car. You’re protecting the driver.
The Future of Car Security
Biometrics in cars is moving from novelty to necessity. The EMIRAI concept proved it’s possible. The technology exists. The timeline is clear. We’re waiting for the rest of the industry to catch up.
And maybe for those flying cars to show up too.
