Seeing Machines Regulatory News (SEE)

Seeing Machines Limited

Seeing Machines and Takata Sourced for 2nd-Generation Driver Monitoring System

7 March 2016

Seeing Machines Limited (AIM: SEE), the AIM listed vehicle operator monitoring technology company, has secured a major follow-on order for their 2nd- Generation automotive driver monitoring systems (DMS) from one of the world's largest automotive manufacturers, in partnership with tier 1 automotive supplier Takata.

This sourcing agreement closely follows the partnership's successful development of their 1st-Generation system for the same manufacturer, as announced in September 2014 and expected to launch this year in 2017 models, and will see the companies' DMS technologies integrated into more than ten, higher-volume, 2018 vehicle models. This second program expands the DMS offering across a number of the manufacturer's international car brands as DMS become part of the brands' Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) offering. DMS technology is a key component for semi-autonomous driver monitoring and is now starting to be included in the design of other safety technologies and driver comfort and convenience applications.

Seeing Machines and Takata continue to engage closely with most of the world's car manufacturers. Program discussions continue with fourteen manufacturers of which nine are currently performing validation tests using Seeing Machines' DMS evaluation product as they seek driver monitoring technologies for their upcoming product lines.

Takata's Vice President of Engineering, Kirk Morris, commented:

"Takata continues to demonstrate leadership in the development of Cockpit Monitoring Technologies, which include Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS), Hands on Wheel (HOW) sensing and Occupant Sensing Systems (OCS). Our proven capabilities in this field, in conjunction with the technology and resources of our partners at Seeing Machines, is paving the way forward in cutting edge automotive safety equipment. We expect our Driver Monitoring Systems to be offered in vehicles with automated driving technologies beginning in 2017. Among other features of the system, a vehicle's driver monitoring system will enable the safe transition between the driver and autonomous modes of vehicle control. We are pleased that our customers are acknowledging our leadership in this area and our commitment to safety through new business awards and long-term partnership agreements."

Seeing Machines' CEO, Ken Kroeger, commented:

"We consider this follow-on contract as both a clear endorsement of our technology and as reaffirmation of our DMS leadership position in the automotive sector. The ADAS market has really taken off and disruptive technologies such as ours are changing both the way that people interact with their cars as well as delivering significant road safety improvements. We're obviously incredibly excited and are actively shaping the structure and scalability of our business, our R&D programs and the DMS technology road map to ensure that we're in the best position to capture as much of the OEM automotive DMS market as possible. Our mission to make lives safer on the roads by integrating DMS into every vehicle is now on its way to becoming a reality."

Enquiries:

About Seeing Machines

Seeing Machines, (AIM: SEE) is focused on operator monitoring and intervention sensing technologies and services. With more than 15 years of experience, Seeing Machines uses advanced detection and prevention safety assistance technologies to track eye and facial movement in order to monitor fatigue, drowsiness and distraction events, such as microsleeps, texting and cell phone use as they occur, while providing for a real-time intervention strategy, which improves operator, driver and environmental safety, preserves assets, and reduces risk. Seeing Machines' technology is used worldwide across the automotive, mining, transport and aviation industries; as well as many of the leading academic research groups and transportation authorities. Seeing Machines is headquartered in Australia and has offices in Tucson, Arizona, Mountain View, California and Santiago, Chile. The Company counts Caterpillar, BHP Billiton, Freeport, Electro Motive Diesel, Boeing, Takata, SEMCo and Eye Tracking Inc among its customers or partners.