Ai-powered system aims to stop drunk driving in japan

Mitsubishi Electric is set to launch an AI-powered system designed to detect and prevent drunk driving in Japan. The innovative System of Driver Monitoring, or DMS, uses a combination of facial recognition, heart rate monitoring, and vehicle sensors to determine if a driver is impaired.

Ai trained on 100 individuals to identify drunk driving patterns

Developed in collaboration with the University of Oakland in the US, the AI was trained on data from 100 individuals of diverse backgrounds, ages, and levels of intoxication. The system captures the driver's face during the drive, analyzing skin tone and facial features for signs of inebriation.

It also monitors the driver's pulse, looking for the telltale signs of a drunken driver, such as flushed cheeks. Eye movements are another key indicator, with the AI detecting if the eyes are glassy, closed, or moving irregularly.

Vehicle sensors track the driver's steering, braking, and acceleration patterns, which can indicate loss of control due to intoxication.

Once the AI detects a problem, it can trigger an alarm, flash a red light, or even take control of the vehicle, slowing down and guiding it to the side of the road to prevent accidents.

This groundbreaking Technology marks a significant step forward in the fight against drunk driving, a major public health issue in Japan. In 2025, there were 125 fatalities caused by drunk driving in the country, a sobering reminder of the devastating impact of this preventable crime.