Process:

- Developed "The Berserker" as part of the Graduate Master Thesis project, challenging the conventional use of machine vision technology for monitoring human emotions in commercial fleets.

- Initiated the project as a response to exposure to cutting-edge developments in Germany, particularly during your tenure at BMW, and identified an opportunity for innovative exploration.

- Engaged in comprehensive research and development, spanning high-level conceptualization to low-level software and hardware development.

- Leveraged expertise in Unreal Engine, Arduino, hardware design, installation design, and OpenCV machine vision development for the custom prototype.

- Named the prototype "The Berserker" to reflect its unique capability of assuming control if the driver does not maintain a satisfactory emotional facial expression during the drive, thus challenging established norms.

‍Approach:

- Approached the project with the aim of questioning the application of machine vision technology in monitoring driver emotions and the role of AI in user experiences.

- Demonstrated a holistic skill set, from Unreal Engine environmental development to AI machine vision implementation and electronic hardware programming.

- Designed the prototype to require drivers to maintain a smile throughout the drive to retain control, forcing participants to confront the impact of machine vision on their driving experience.

- Created a transgressive driving simulator that pushed the boundaries of conventional user flow and AI utilization within vehicles.

- Encouraged participants to critically evaluate the necessity of machine vision technology in their vehicles and consider the role of AI in their driving interactions.

Outcome:

- Successfully completed "The Berserker" prototype as part of the Graduate Master Thesis project, offering a fresh perspective on machine vision technology and AI in commercial fleets.

- Challenged traditional applications of machine vision by designing a system where drivers must maintain a smile to retain control of the vehicle.

- Demonstrated a diverse skill set encompassing Unreal Engine, AI machine vision, and hardware programming.

- Developed a transgressive driving simulator that provoked participants to question the integration of machine vision and AI into their driving experiences.

- Encouraged critical thinking about the impact of emerging technologies on user interactions within vehicles, fostering a deeper understanding of AI's role in transportation.

Tools/Skills Used:

- Unreal Engine
- Level Design via Unreal Procedural Mapping
- Real Time Data-Reactive Head Up Display
- MQTT IoT Networking
- Webcam + OpenCV Facial Recognition Model
- Procedural Driving Sound Production in Ableton Live + Unreal Sound Rigging

Credits: 
- Elise Co (Thesis Advisor): Mentorship & Conceptual Advisement