Smart Eye Collaborates with Sony on Next-Generation Interior Sensing and Iris Authentication

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Smart Eye AB, the global leader in Interior Sensing AI and Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS), announced a collaboration with Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation (Sony) to integrate Smart Eye’s interior sensing and biometric authentication software with Sony’s newly released IMX775 RGB-IR image sensor.

By combining Sony’s high-performance imaging technology with Smart Eye’s AI-based Interior Sensing and Iris Authentication, the collaboration helps OEMs address evolving global safety requirements, while also delivering secure access to personalized features, digital services, and in-car payments.

Sony’s new IMX775 image sensor features a 2.1 μm pixel size and a resolution of 5 effective megapixels, combining RGB and infrared imaging on a single chip. With high sensitivity at 940 nm near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths and a wide dynamic range of 110 dB in RGB, the sensor delivers high-quality imaging under all light conditions.

When paired with Smart Eye’s advanced algorithms, these capabilities enhance critical driver monitoring features such as distraction and drowsiness detection, as well as occupant monitoring for posture, seatbelt use, and body position — meeting growing regulatory demands including the EU’s General Safety Regulation (GSR) and Euro NCAP’s 2026 protocols.

In addition, Sony’s sensor provides integrated cybersecurity functions that support authentication at the hardware level. Combined with Smart Eye’s iris- and face-based authentication software, this enables a secure chain of trust from the camera sensor through the infotainment system. OEMs can leverage these features not only for safety-critical use cases, but also for personalizing comfort and infotainment functions in the cabin.

“High NIR sensitivity and RGB HDR imaging are critical for reliable driver monitoring and biometric authentication under real-world conditions in parallel to a good color image of the cabin for video applications,” said Detlef Wilke, VP of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships at Smart Eye. “Together with Sony, we’re making sure these capabilities can be applied directly in vehicles, giving OEMs a practical path to meet new safety requirements and add secure identity-based features without extra hardware. This collaboration has already resulted in a joint production win with a major OEM, combining Sony’s IMX775 with our software.”

“Vehicle cabins present extreme lighting conditions — from bright daylight to near-total darkness,” said Keita Suzuki, General Manager of Automotive Business Division at Sony Semiconductor Solutions. “With 110 dB dynamic range for RGB and high NIR sensitivity, the IMX775 ensures Smart Eye’s software can deliver reliable driver monitoring and authentication. Its hybrid exposure system also enables accurate capture of fast eye movements and blinks, which are essential for precise driver state analysis.”