TU-TESL

• 22

According to foreign media reports, in the United States, fatigue driving causes hundreds of deaths every year. From 2013 to 2017, more than 4000 people died in car accidents caused by fatigue driving, according to the national highway traffic safety administration. VASTRA, a start-up founded by Purdue University students, is developing the next generation of driver safety system trisense to monitor driver health. (picture source: Purdue University) said harsh somani, President and CEO of VASTRA company and alumnus of Industrial Engineering Department of Purdue University School of Engineering: "fatigue and sleepiness can be detected by (the system) using the steering wheel cover, and the driver can be reminded. In the process of driving, the driver only interacts with the steering wheel, which can reduce the distraction. As part of the system solution, we also provide software applications. " The start-up is developing high-performance hardware that can collect ECG data to provide detailed heart rate feedback and medical information. Once drowsiness or fatigue is predicted, the driver will receive a warning message. The hardware is integrated with an optimized Smartphone Application or with a car dashboard for monitoring reminders. The founders of VASTRA include Andrew sooy, William Wyckoff, Nikhil dhingra and Scott dauer, who won the second place in the 2019 boiler race, the early start-up accelerator race in Purdue anvil. Each team will be equipped with a mentor who can apply for a small amount of money to complete the test, prototype design and other work. VASTRA was also one of the 20 finalists in the Purdue black award final. The award was initiated by the elevation Purdue Foundation Fund (EPFF), which invests in start-ups related to Purdue University, including pre seed round, seed round and early or joint investment projects. Recently, VASTRA was invited to participate in defense techconnect's innovation showcase project, and the company plans to participate in more projects to promote development and growth. Currently, VASTRA is looking to work with fleet operators to help upgrade the system through software or additional hardware. The company's long-term vision is to apply the technology to different vertical areas, such as clothing or home automation.