THE CRCMining SmartCap technology, a cap which detects driver fatigue, will be piloted at Australian Coal Association mines.
Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Stephen Robertson officially launched the CRCMining SmartCap technology on 29 September 2009.
According to Minister Robertson, the SmartCap is the first application of its kind to apply brain-monitoring technology to address the dangers of driver fatigue when operating heavy vehicles.
The SmartCap has a number of sensors which measure brain-wave information through hair. It then applies an independently-validated formula to identify when the wearer is experiencing symptoms of fatigue.
When a fatigue danger limit is reached, a warning message is sent from the operator's cap to an in-cab display, notifying operators of the threat, and alerting them to the need to stop, rest and refresh.
The SmartCap was invented by CRCMining engineer Dr Daniel Bongers, and has been developed by CRCMining as part of an Australian Coal Association Research Program (ACARP) funded project.
The Australian Coal Association will use the technology at its mines from December 2009. The SmartCap is now being taken to commercialisation with guidance and financial support from ACA.