MIROS "MyCINTA" System - Address Child Locked In-Car Issue

The Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) has introduced the 'MyCINTA' system, which stands for the MIROS Children in Vehicle Tracking and Alerting System. This novel technology is intended to address the significant issue of children being left behind in secured vehicles.

When the engine is turned off, MyCINTA would use both motion and sound sensors to detect the presence of a child inside the car. It then immediately notifies the driver or system users, as well as an emergency contact person, via phone calls and SMS. The coordinates of the car are included in the SMS, which can be linked to a navigation application like Google Maps for quick location identification and rescue.

MyCINTA also has emergency reaction measures in place. For a start, it lowers the vehicle window automatically to allow for air circulation and activates hazard warning lights to draw attention. In order to improve response time, the system activates the vehicles horns and displays text-based warnings, such as "DANGER" or "HELP," on the vehicle's windscreen using a dot matrix LED module.

Laboratory tests and installation on a test vehicle have confirmed the system's effectiveness. MyCINTA consistently provides accurate sensor readings and sends precise location information via SMS, ensuring the child's safety during the critical first five minutes, reducing the risk of heat stroke.

According to the Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) review, MyCINTA is at TRL level 7, indicating that it is ready for real-world operational scenarios. The replicability of the system has been demonstrated by the fabrication of two prototypes with similar functioning, suggesting its potential to avoid infant deaths from heat stroke.

MIROS's Acting Director-General, Ir. Ts. Azhar Hamzah, expressed gratitude for the MyCINTA prototype's development and called for industry support to further advance this life-saving innovation.

Ts. Mohd Khairul Alhapiz Ibrahim, the project leader for MyCINTA, emphasised that the system addresses the universal issue of children being accidentally left behind in locked vehicles, regardless of demographic or sociological factors. The design thinking approach, focusing on empathy and data analysis, guided the system's development to enhance its effectiveness.

For more details on the MyCINTA project and its development report, visit the following link: https://www.mcas.tech/mycinta-project.