Sensor Saves Babies in Hot Cars

University of Waterloo researchers have created a new device that takes a small, cheap sensor and solves a sometimes heartbreaking problem. More than 50 children have died in hot cars in 2019, and more than 100 dogs and other animals have died from heat-related causes over the last two years. This new device combines radar with artificial intelligence to detect humans and animals alike, and in testing, it has worked with 100 percent accuracy. Only three centimeters in diameter, it is designed to detect even the smallest breathing movements from living beings. The component will eventually mount to rear-view mirrors or ceilings.When a child or animal is left in the car, the system will stop the doors from locking and sound an alarm.The wireless, disc-shaped sensor was funded in part by a major automotive parts manufacturer that plans to bring it to market by the end of 2020.Researchers are now trying to use it to monitor drivers for fatigue, distraction, and other impairments. Still, it could also be used by companies like Uber to determine the number of people and their location in the car.