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NTT DATA Develops Algorithm to Enhance Driver Safety and Identify Declining Cognitive Health

Successfully Verify Effectiveness of Algorithm to Estimate Brain Health from Driving Behavior in Pilot Project with km Taxi

March 21, 2025

NTT DATA Japan Corporation
kokusai motorcars Co., Ltd.

TOKYO - March 21, 2025 - NTT DATA, a global digital business and IT services leader, and kokusai motorcars Co., Ltd. (km Taxi) have successfully verified the effectiveness of an algorithm that estimates current brain health conditions based on driving behavior data. This algorithm was developed as part of a joint pilot project conducted in January 2024 in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area.

The algorithm enables the identification of individuals with potentially declining brain health through driving behavior analysis. Notifying drivers of these results will increase awareness of cognitive decline and enable them to proactively monitor their brain health using self-assessment tools or seek medical consultation at an early stage.

Moving forward, NTT DATA and km Taxi will validate operational workflows to determine whether these notifications encourage behavioral changes. The goal is to commercialize the service to enhance driver safety and health while contributing to the realization of a safer and more reliable mobility ecosystem.

Background

There is a steady increase in the number of dementia cases every year, particularly among individuals aged 65 to 75. Dementia can have an adverse impact on society, such as an increase in traffic accidents caused by cognitive decline. Data indicates that a significant proportion of fatal traffic accidents involve older drivers, many of whom show signs of cognitive impairment.

Early detection and prevention of cognitive decline are critical, as many individuals seek medical care only after dementia symptoms significantly manifest. In response to this critical need, NTT DATA and km Taxi's pilot project encourages drivers to take proactive measures to maintain and improve cognitive health.

Pilot Project Overview

The pilot involved a selected group of km Taxi drivers aged 65 and above. Participants used Eisai Co., Ltd.'s brain health self-assessment tool, NouKNOW®*1, to evaluate their brain health. Driving data, including speed and acceleration patterns, was collected via GPS devices installed in the taxis. By integrating this driving data with map data from Zenrin Co., Ltd. and brain health scores, an algorithm was developed to estimate drivers' cognitive health.

Roles of Each Organization:

  • NTT DATA: Driving data analysis and algorithm development.
  • km Taxi: Provision of test field and participating drivers.
  • Eisai Co., Ltd.: Provision of brain health self-assessment tool NouKNOW.
  • Zenrin Co., Ltd.: Supply of map data.
  • NPO Elderly Safe Driving Support Research Association: Support for data collection and validation.

Key Findings

1. Correlation Between Brain Health Scores and Driving Data

The analysis revealed significant correlations between brain health scores from NouKNOW and driving behavior. For instance, drivers with healthier brain conditions exhibited fewer near-miss incidents compared to those with lower scores.

2. Development of a Risky Driving Detection Algorithm

The team developed and validated an algorithm to identify risky driving behavior correlated with cognitive decline. For example, the algorithm assessed whether sudden braking was necessary in specific situations and confirmed its effectiveness in correlating driving behavior with brain health.

3. Quantification of Driver Characteristics

The algorithm, based on quantified driving characteristics was effectively adjusted for unique taxi-driving patterns, achieving high accuracy in identifying drivers with reduced brain health. It also demonstrated potential applicability to general drivers and other professional drivers by accounting for their specific driving behavior.

Future Steps

Mamiko Nunoi, Head of Automotive in Japan, NTT DATA, remarked,

"Encouraging drivers to voluntarily assess their cognitive function can be challenging. However, this algorithm enables the estimation of brain health through daily driving data. NTT DATA and km Taxi aim to demonstrate how the early detection of dementia risks enables professional drivers to take proactive prevention measures, ultimately enhancing their long-term well-being and driving performance."

Ryoichi Matsumoto, Senior Executive Vice President, at km Taxi commented,

"We see the potential for this service to expand its applications to industries employing professional drivers. By integrating the algorithm with diverse healthcare data sources, we aim to contribute to a society with greater longevity and safety."

Notes

  • *1NouKNOW (non-medical device) is a tool that uses a simple card test using a PC, tablet or smartphone device to perform tests evaluating psychomotor function, attention, learning and memory, and working memory.

  • About NTT DATA

    NTT DATA is a $30+ billion trusted global innovator of business and technology services. We serve 75% of the Fortune Global 100 and are committed to helping clients innovate, optimize and transform for long-term success. As a Global Top Employer, we have diverse experts in more than 50 countries and a robust partner ecosystem of established and start-up companies. Our services include business and technology consulting, data and artificial intelligence, industry solutions, as well as the development, implementation and management of applications, infrastructure and connectivity. We are also one of the leading providers of digital and AI infrastructure in the world. NTT DATA is part of NTT Group, which invests over $3.6 billion each year in R&D to help organizations and society move confidently and sustainably into the digital future.
    Visit us at nttdata.com.

    About km Taxi

    km Group was established in 1920, it is one of the premiers, longest-established private transportation providers in Japan. km is the abbreviation of 'kokusai motorcars' or 'international motorcars'. km Group is a comprehensive company in the passenger transportation business with all kinds of services related to automobile operations, including cabs, hire cars, buses, automobile accessories manufacturing and sales, automobile insurance, automobile maintenance, and automobile operation and management services. Read more at km Group.

Contact

NTT DATA Japan Corporation
First Industry Business Sector
Automotive Division
Chiba.Y, Chiba.K
E-mail:datautil_poc@hml.nttdata.co.jp

System Integration Sector
System Integration Division
Hirai, Urabe
E-mail:datautil_poc@hml.nttdata.co.jp