R&D Collaboration Project - AI System for Detecting Driver Fatigue

June 22, 2026

A Spanish research and technology center is seeking a partner as part of a SystemEU project to integrate vehicle data (OBD-II) into an existing system for detecting and reducing driver fatigue.
The goal of the project is to achieve market readiness (TRL 8) for a system that has already been developed (currently TRL 6), which:

• detects individual driver fatigue at an early stage (AI-based, driver-specific baselines)
• combines vehicle data (e.g., CAN bus) with wearable data
• actively initiates countermeasures (e.g., route adjustments or breaks via an integrated system/LLM agents in the vehicle)
• is integrated into transport management systems (TMS)

The proposed project has a duration of 18 months and a budget of approximately 1.1 million euros. The submission deadline is in October 2026. Expressions of interest may be submitted until July 15, 2026.

Partners Sought

A company with proven experience in the extraction and integration of OBD-II data is sought to implement the project. Potential partners include, in particular, providers of transport management systems (TMS), manufacturers of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, specialized providers of OBD-II solutions, and technically savvy fleet operators.

The project partner should be able to read vehicle data via the OBD-II interface or the CAN bus. This includes, for example, data on acceleration, pedal position, or engine parameters. In addition, experience with manufacturer-specific vehicle protocols is required, as OEM-specific solutions for data acquisition and processing are needed. The collected vehicle data is to be integrated into an existing driver fatigue detection system.

Responsibilities of the Project Partner

The partner’s responsibilities include providing and integrating a suitable OBD-II data reader. In addition, the existing system is to be adapted and fine-tuned for commercial use. Optionally, the solution can be integrated into an existing transport management system or into the partner’s own vehicle fleet. The focus of the project is on the integration and commercialization of existing technology, rather than on the development of new technological approaches.

The solution offers significant added value by helping to reduce accidents and downtime through the early detection of signs of fatigue. At the same time, it improves driver safety and well-being. Furthermore, the continuous analysis of driver fitness enables data-driven support for fleet management.

Currently, there is no intellectual property rights (IPR) protection.
The call for collaboration is open to both SMEs and larger companies.

If you are interested in participating in this project, please contact us, citing reference number RDRES20260616018. Basic information about the project (AgenticFit) can be found here: https://systemeuvalley.eu/open-call-for-fstp/