Seeing Machines to install pilot monitoring in Australian air ambulances

Driver monitoring technology company Seeing Machines announced on Thursday that it will deliver an eye-tracking solution to Air Ambulance Victoria to reduce the risk of pilot fatigue across its operations.

The AIM-traded firm said Pel-Air supplies fixed-wing air ambulance services to Air Ambulance Victoria, providing medevac flights and medical transfers across the Australian state.

Air Ambulance Victoria would install Seeing Machines' Pilot Fatigue Monitoring System into at least four new aircraft, to detect pilot fatigue in real time.

It said the system would also activate an alerting system to reduce the risks associated with fatigue in safety-critical single-pilot operations, and would be retrofitted into the aircraft in collaboration with Pel-Air's engineering authority.

The contract, for an initial 10-year period with an option to extend for a further two years, had an initial value of around AUD 1m (£0.54m), including a “significant” non-recurring upfront payment.

That would see the Company install the world's first operational pilot fatigue monitoring system, with potential to extend beyond the initial four aircraft in Victoria.

The first installation would be operational by the end of 2022, with the remaining three aircraft scheduled for 2023.

In the event that additional aircraft were added to the contract, then additional revenues would be payable to Seeing Machines.

“Permanently installing our technology into the cockpit for the first time is not only ground-breaking and will likely open up many more opportunities, but so relevant given the critical setting within which Air Ambulance Victoria works,” said Seeing Machines’ general manager of aviation, Patrick Nolan.

“The Pilot Fatigue Monitoring System will significantly enhance safety in these highly sophisticated single pilot operated aircraft, often flying in unpredictable conditions, given the remoteness of where they have to operate.

“This contract represents a perfect fit for why Seeing Machines exists, to get people home safely, and is very well suited to the mission of this safety focused customer.”

At 1319 GMT, shares in Seeing Machines were down 8.92% at 7.2p.