Volvo Cars Tech Fund has announced its investment in an Israeli startup, CorrActions, which has developed AI-powered software capable of detecting cognitive abnormalities in drivers and passengers.

The technology uses micro-muscle movements to reflect brain activity and can hint at various cognitive symptoms, including distraction, intoxication, or fatigue.

The software could be used to complement Volvo’s existing safety systems, and the investment is part of the automaker’s focus on making mobility safer. Alexander Petrofski, Head of Volvo Cars Tech Fund, said that CorrActions’ mission was “close to our heart”, and the Israeli start-up had caught the fund’s attention because it was attempting to solve the same issues as Volvo’s safety engineers.

Volvo has recognized that driver distraction and fatigue are facts of life, and even the slightest lapse in concentration can lead to disaster in traffic. CorrActions’ technology has the potential to provide a highly relevant complement to Volvo’s future safety systems, and the automaker has taken a stake in the Israeli start-up to support the further development and commercialization of its technology.

The AI-powered software developed by CorrActions can detect abnormalities in the cognitive state by using existing sensors, such as those in the steering wheel, to monitor micro muscle movements. These movements reflect changes in brain activity, and by analyzing them, the software can determine if a driver or passenger is distracted, intoxicated or overly tired. The technology could prove invaluable in preventing accidents caused by impaired driving and help Volvo to achieve its goal of reducing fatalities and injuries in traffic.

Volvo’s investment in CorrActions is a testament to the Israeli start-up’s innovative technology and its potential to revolutionize the way we monitor driver behavior. The technology could not only help to prevent accidents but also provide valuable insights into how humans interact with vehicles, leading to safer and more efficient mobility. As Volvo continues to focus on making mobility safer, its collaboration with CorrActions could prove to be a crucial step towards achieving that goal.