Maruti Suzuki and Microsoft pioneer advanced HAMS technology for Safe Driver Training

Maruti Suzuki India introduces state-of-the-art HAMS technology to digitalise Driving Test centres to provide a safe, automated and transparent driver’s license test process.

The technology – HAMS (Harnessing Automobile for Safety) - implemented at Automated Driving Test Centre (ADTC), Dehradun in association with the Transport Department, Government of Uttarakhand, has been jointly developed by Maruti Suzuki’s Institute of Driving and Traffic Research (IDTR) and Microsoft Research India with the objective to make Indian roads safer.

An Important Advancement

With the smartphone-based HAMS technology, Maruti Suzuki is redefining stereotypes and moving towards the digital world while helping to re-implement a cumbersome process more efficiently. Using the modern tools and latest technologies, Maruti Suzuki strives to bring innovation, transparency and safety into account to the process and make it 100% automated requiring no manual intervention.

The technology works by attaching a HAMS-enabled smartphone to the applicant’s car which monitors the driver as well as the road. The technology uses advanced AI models for precise tracking of the vehicle’s trajectory during designated test maneuvers. The centres are equipped with advanced video analytic technology to check driving skills of the applicants and replace manual assessment of candidates. In cases of disagreements on test results, video recording of the test drive can also be availed for complete transparency.

Check out the HAMS technology at work for yourself at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtgpWXM5Hfg&feature=youtu.be

On-Ground Progress

Maruti Suzuki has enhanced the key technical capabilities of the ADTC Dehradun with HAMS to provide:

1. Facial recognition to address identity fraud
2. Automatic detection of traffic signal violations and seat-belt use
3. Validate driving correctness for standard maneuvers like S-round about, parallel parking, reverse parking, etc.
4. Automatic generation of test score and outcome

Deployment of HAMS technology at ADTC Dehradun has yielded promising results. It has reduced the complete test duration to just 10 minutes, from start to report generation, allowing for shorter waiting periods and quick turnarounds. The technology has put a check on false and illegal passings encountered in manual testing mode, with the average pass rate now down to 54% from 90%. Overall feedback from the candidates has also been positive, appreciating the objectivity and transparency of the entire process.

Maruti Suzuki plans to partner with other state governments to deploy HAMS technology in more driving test centres across India, imparting good driving behaviour and making Indian roads safer for all.