Subscribe now

Airline pilots are in danger of falling asleep on long-haul flights, says
British firm Cambridge Neurotechnology. The company is patenting a device like a
large wristwatch which continually monitors the pilot’s alertness (GB 2 334
127). The device has a motion sensor which registers any acceleration greater
than around 0.05 g, at a frequency of a few hertz. If there is no
movement of this type at least every few minutes, the device sounds a loud
alarm.

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up
Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop