PR96105

DUSSELDORF, Germany and HAMBURG, Germany, May 24, 2022 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

With the founding of the joint venture Rheinmetall Dermalog SensorTec GmbH, the

technology group Rheinmetall and the biometrics company DERMALOG are aiming to

bring enhanced safety to road traffic. The objectives of the partnership

include the development of a next-generation driver monitoring system.

Germany's largest biometrics company, DERMALOG Identification Systems GmbH, and

the technology group Rheinmetall AG have entered into a new joint venture

together: Rheinmetall Dermalog SensorTec GmbH. In future, this new company will

supply the most innovative biometric technologies to vehicle manufacturers.

One of the aims of this new partnership is to develop a driver monitoring

system that recognizes when drivers are distracted and then warns them

accordingly. Distractions of any kind, such as those caused by smartphones, can

have fatal consequences when driving a vehicle. 100,000 collisions a year,

resulting in 500 deaths and 25,000 injured road users: this is Germany's dismal

track record for accidents caused by mobile phones at the wheel, according to a

recent study by the "besmart-mobile" initiative. Another study carried out by

the insurance group "Allianz" found that distracted driving is now a more

common cause of fatal accidents than drink driving.

So-called "driver monitoring" involves the continuous, computer-assisted

observation of the driver. Using various cameras and sensors, the system

detects any causes of distraction such as the checking of a smartphone or

fatigue and then warns the driver, or – when fitted in vehicles with autonomous

control – intervenes independently in emergency situations.

Within the framework of the joint venture, DERMALOG and Rheinmetall will be

combining their expertise in biometrics, artificial intelligence and radar

technology to develop a powerful driver monitoring system. As well as keeping

an eye on the driver, the system will also monitor the entire cabin interior.

The solution should therefore detect other risks too, for example in cases when

a baby or small child is left behind in the vehicle.

It is envisaged that object recognition will also be possible with driver

monitoring by Rheinmetall Dermalog SensorTec. In future, users of car-sharing

services will be informed quickly and conveniently via an app if they have

forgotten any objects in the car.

"The joint venture with Rheinmetall AG is now set to introduce biometrics into

the field of automotive applications. The technology can offer real added value

for vehicle safety and even has the potential to save lives when applied to

effective driver monitoring," says Gunther Mull, Founder and CEO of DERMALOG.

"This joint venture is an important step forward in our transformation strategy

that will allow us, in future, to offer cutting-edge technology in the fields

of monitoring, authentication and safety to customers in the automotive and

industrial sectors," says Rene Gansauge, CEO Sensors and Actuators Division at

Rheinmetall.

About DERMALOG Identification Systems GmbH

DERMALOG, with head offices in Hamburg, is Germany's pioneer in the field of

biometrics and the largest German manufacturer of biometric systems. Founded in

1995, the company offers a comprehensive range of biometric identification

solutions including high-performance AFIS and ABIS software, as well as the

latest generation of fingerprint and document scanners. DERMALOG technology is

currently used in more than 250 installations around the globe, in sectors

including public administration, border law enforcement, and banking.

About Rheinmetall AG

As an integrated technology group with around 25,000 employees worldwide, the

publicly listed Rheinmetall AG stands for a strong, internationally successful

company that operates in various markets with an innovative range of products

and services. As a renowned development partner and direct supplier to the

global automotive industry and a leading international systems provider for

security technology, Rheinmetall draws on its high level of expertise in its

basic technologies to address long-term megatrends, identify viable new markets

with high growth potential and develop innovative solutions for a safe and

liveable future. The focus on sustainability is an integral part of

Rheinmetall's strategy. The company aims to achieve CO2 neutrality by 2035.

- Cross reference: Picture is available at AP Images (http://www.apimages.com) –

Press contact at DERMALOG:

Sven Bockler

Media Relations DERMALOG Identification Systems GmbH

info@dermalog.com

Tel.: +49 (0)40 413 227 - 0

www.dermalog.com

Press contact at Rheinmetall:

Oliver Hoffmann

Head of Press and PR Rheinmetall AG

Tel.: +49-(0)211 473 4748

oliver.hoffmann@rheinmetall.com

Dr. phil. Jan-Phillipp Weisswange

Deputy Head of Press and PR Rheinmetall AG

Tel.: +49-(0)211 473 4287

jan-phillipp.weisswange@rheinmetall.com

Source: DERMALOG Identification Systems GmbH