“Since the car is able to detect if a driver is not paying attention, safety systems can be adapted more effectively. For example, the car’s support systems can be activated later on if the driver is focused, and earlier if the driver’s attention is directed elsewhere,” Landfors explains.

The technology, which is already being tried out in test vehicles, has other uses. It can monitor eye movements to adjust the car’s interior lighting in the direction the driver is looking, and even set the seats to the perfect position simply by recognising the driver behind the wheel.

But it’s the potential safety advances that Volvo is prioritising, being committed to its 2020 goal of no one killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo.