Team Kyodai Haptics Wins Second Prize in the Asia Haptic 2018 Student Challenge

A team from Matsuno Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering & Science, won the 2nd Place prize at the Student Challenge in Automotive Haptics with a cash prize of $2,000 USD. The challenge was held as part of the AsiaHaptics 2018 International Conference from November 14-16, 2019, in Incheon, Republic of Korea.

The theme of the challenge was to propose and develop innovative haptic (i.e., sense of touch) technology for applications in automobiles and driving assistance systems. Only eight out of more than twenty submitted proposals from around the world were selected at the first stage. Each selected team was provided with a research grant  of $1,500 USD from Hyundai Motor Company and Korea Robotics Society for prototype development.
 
In the second stage, the developed prototypes were demonstrated at the conference where they were evaluated by a jury composed of renowned experts in the field.
Team Kyodai Haptics had proposed and developed  a plug-and-play haptic cushion system to assist the drivers at traffic lights and road intersections. The proposed system has been the first technology of its kind, and uses a combination of haptics and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve drivers' response and safety. It can be potentially very useful in minimizing the occurrence of fatal accidents at the road intersections. Furthermore, the developed technology has the potential to make driving easier and safer for elderly and visually-impaired people.

（機械理工学専攻 博士後期課程修了  NISAR SAJID）