Is there a human behind the wheel?
A new source of information for driver awareness. AerWheel leverages data from a sensor integrated into the steering wheel. By detecting physiological micro-vibrations, it recognizes human contact in real time, without requiring any additional action from the driver. This information helps assess driver presence and attentiveness, particularly during automated driving. This implementation of A-Live® operates directly on the sensor, providing actionable information to the vehicle. All processing takes place locally, without cameras, AI, connectivity, or external computation.
The wheel becomes the sensor.
The steering wheel goes beyond data and gives information.
AerWheel detects human physiological micro-vibrations associated with neuromuscular activity. The system distinguishes these signals from mechanical vibrations and noise generated by the vehicle and its surroundings. The system uses a six-axis IMU sensor (STMicroelectronics LSM6DSV16X) to detect micro-vibrations transmitted to the steering wheel through human contact. AerWheel then determines the presence of a human directly on the integrated microcontroller.
AerWheel operates under various driving conditions, including highways, urban environments, low-speed turns, and cobblestone roads. Detection is passive and requires no deliberate action from the driver. The driver simply needs to hold the steering wheel, without placing their hands on a predefined area. AerWheel detects human contact across different areas of the steering wheel, even when the driver is wearing gloves.
All processing takes place locally on the integrated microcontroller, which then transmits the information directly to the vehicle’s systems. No external processing or connectivity is required.
Sense
A 240 Hz six-axis IMU captures micro-vibrations from the driver’s grip on the wheel. All extraneous car noises are eliminated.
Classify
Recognizes the human touch with classification updates every 500 ms. This process is performed directly and only on the sensor.
More than a signal: valuable information
The vehicle is told, in real time, whenever needed, whether an engaged human is in control or present. This can be done continuously.
Awareness without the trade-offs.
Performance & reliability
- Real-time detection of human contact without requiring additional driver interaction.
- Industry-leading detection accuracy (over 99% accuracy, less than 0.5% false positives).
- Reliable operation across various driving conditions, including highways, urban environments, low-speed turns, and cobblestone roads.
Privacy & simplified design
- Camera-free detection that minimizes personal data collection and protects privacy.
- Simplified architecture without image acquisition or processing hardware, reducing integration complexity.
- Supports eco-design through a compact architecture that minimizes hardware requirements and energy consumption.
Integration & efficiency
- Actionable information that can be used independently or alongside existing systems, particularly Hands-On Detection (HOD) and Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS), depending on vehicle requirements and architecture.
- Easy integration into any type of steering wheel using a compact sensor costing less than $0.80 USD.
- Local processing without external connectivity, with power consumption of approximately 35 mA.
Safety, security & compliance
- Enhances driver-vehicle interaction safety by providing complementary physiological information.
- Strengthens cybersecurity with independent, on-device detection that remains operational during cyberattacks.
- Complies with the requirements of Section 24220 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
See how AerWheel works.
AerWheel was built with a real Tesla steering wheel.
The cheapest, most effective, and non-intrusive alternative to a camera for driver safety