Smart Eye’s DMS Software Named CES 2026 Honoree

Smart Eye’s innovative DMS software feature designed to detect alcohol impairment in drivers has been recognized as a CES 2026 Innovation Awards honoree in Vehicle Tech & Advanced Mobility. This software is compatible with existing driver monitoring system (DMS) hardware and is poised for implementation in production programs and fleet deployment. This development is significant as DMS software is increasingly crucial in regulatory safety discussions in Europe, particularly in Euro NCAP assessments. The adoption of a software-only approach could potentially streamline integration for European OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers.

The company’s approach to impairment detection is driven by software analysis of subtle variations in eye and eyelid behavior to identify patterns indicative of intoxication, rather than relying on breath sensors. Trained on data from controlled studies, this feature operates locally within the vehicle without recording or transmitting video. By utilizing existing DMS cameras and compute resources, it has the potential to eliminate the need for additional sensors, calibration, or wiring changes, thereby reducing program risk and cost for production use.

Martin Krantz, the CEO and Founder of Smart Eye, emphasized the significance of this development by stating, “Alcohol impairment detection has been a topic of discussion in safety circles for years, but seldom with a feasible path to implementation. By leveraging existing DMS hardware and signals, this feature transforms a longstanding safety goal into a deployable function at scale. It is trained on authentic driving data and aligns with the direction regulators are already moving towards, making it both road-ready and future-proof.”

In the regulatory context, safety authorities such as Euro NCAP are actively assessing alcohol and impairment monitoring, while international regulators are contemplating mandates. For European automotive engineering teams, aligning DMS development with evolving impairment requirements has become a practical consideration. Software features that can be delivered over the air have the potential to expedite pilots and validation, provided they comply with local regulatory and privacy frameworks.

Smart Eye is set to present its alcohol impairment detection capability at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, scheduled from 6th to 9th January 2026, alongside its broader in-cabin sensing portfolio. For OEMs and fleet operators, the expansion of DMS software functions without the need for new hardware could aid in consolidating in-vehicle systems, provided that performance remains consistent across drivers, various conditions, and lighting environments. This advancement marks a significant step towards enhancing road safety and integrating innovative technology into the automotive sector.