PiQuant is a Korean company specializing in the development of devices and solutions for the detection and measurement of components using spectroscopy. They developed a technology to measure blood alcohol concentration by touching it with a finger.

How does it work

If alcohol is detected in the blood by spectroscopy, the vehicle will be prevented from starting.

The company is conducting a concept test together with Mercedes-Benz. This technology can prevent drunk driving by locking the vehicle’s operation or putting the vehicle into autonomous driving mode when a drunk driver presses the ignition button.

It will not be possible to bypass this type of protection with the help of a sober friend – the sensor simultaneously performs dactyloscopy (scans the fingerprint of the car owner). Starting the car in such a situation will be possible only if a sober friend is previously added to the number of people allowed to drive this vehicle.

Other developments of Korean engineers also attract the attention of European automakers.

• JD Solution in cooperation with Mercedes-Benz Korea developed a directional sound module for cars. The technology makes it possible to generate acoustic waves of directional action. In this way, while the driver can use voice warnings and make phone calls through the speaker system, the passengers in the cabin will not hear these sounds.
• In response, BMW implemented Seoul Robotics’ solution for autonomous driving infrastructure at its Dingolfing factory in Munich. This Technology is transforming traditional vehicles into autonomous vehicles By placing sensors and cameras such as LiDAR on poles and roofs rather than on the cars themselves.