Know Labs, a leading developer of non-invasive sensor technology, announced that it has retained The Stanbridge Group to establish a strategic partnership with an automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM). This partnership aims to integrate Know Labs’ sensor technology into automobile steering wheels.
Preliminary lab tests have shown that the Know Labs sensor can non-invasively detect blood alcohol levels, and when embedded in a steering wheel, it could potentially prevent impaired individuals from driving. This breakthrough emerged during the company’s development of its non-invasive glucose monitoring technology, leading to the filing of a patent in 2022 titled “Vehicle Interface Systems and Methods for Analyte-Based Control.”
The patent, filed on August 15, 2022, was published on February 15, 2024, under publication number US 2024/0050007 A1.
The Know Labs platform addresses a key mandate from President Biden’s 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which requires all new vehicles sold in the U.S. to be equipped with passive alcohol detection systems by 2026.
“While developing our non-invasive diagnostic technology, we identified numerous potential applications, including driver health and wellness,” said Ron Erickson, CEO of Know Labs. “Our broad patent portfolio covers integrating our sensor technology into steering wheels, and we believe it can play a crucial role in keeping drunk drivers off the road. We are excited to work with The Stanbridge Group to find a joint venture partner for this promising application while we continue to focus on non-invasive blood glucose monitoring.”
In 2022, drunk driving caused 13,524 deaths in the U.S., according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). As a result, the NHTSA has initiated a proposed rulemaking process regarding Advanced Impaired Driving Prevention Technology.
The Stanbridge Group, led by founder Rick Stanbridge, has a long history of working with senior leadership in the automotive and original equipment manufacturing sectors. “Automakers are seeking effective solutions to prevent impaired driving,” said Rick Stanbridge. “The Know Labs sensor is a perfect fit for this challenge, and we are excited to collaborate on this important project.
