Emotion3D

Established in 2011 as a spin-off from the Vienna University of Technology, Emotion3D is a deep-tech company specializing in camera-based human analysis software for the automotive sector. The company was co-founded by Florian Seitner, who currently serves as CEO. Seitner's extensive background in computer science, including a Ph.D. from the Vienna University of Technology, laid the technical foundation for the firm, which initially developed broader computer vision solutions before pivoting to the automotive industry around 2015. This strategic shift was driven by increasing demand from automotive companies and aligns with the company's long-term goal of contributing to "Vision Zero," an initiative aiming to eliminate traffic fatalities.

Emotion3D's core business revolves around its proprietary software middleware, CABIN EYE. This product provides a detailed analysis of vehicle occupants by monitoring anthropometric properties, physical states, and behaviors in real-time. The company's business model is centered on supplying this software to global automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier 1 suppliers. This technology enables a range of in-cabin applications, including drowsiness and distraction detection, personalized airbag deployment, gesture recognition, and health monitoring. A key differentiator is its use of machine learning algorithms trained with synthetic data, which reduces the need for extensive real-world data collection, allowing for more cost-efficient and flexible development cycles.

The company's technology is designed for embedded systems, processing data from cameras and radar to interpret a vehicle's interior and exterior environment. This capability supports both in-cabin monitoring and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). In August 2025, it was announced that Emotion3D would be acquired by indie Semiconductor, a California-based semiconductor manufacturer. The acquisition, valued at $20 million plus potential performance-based earnouts, aims to create co-optimized hardware-software solutions by combining Emotion3D's perception algorithms with indie's chipsets, enhancing their offerings for the growing ADAS market.

Keywords: in-cabin monitoring, driver monitoring system, DMS, occupant monitoring system, OMS, automotive software, computer vision, machine learning, ADAS, human analysis, perception software, synthetic data, embedded systems, gesture recognition, drowsiness detection, automotive safety, personalized airbags, Vision Zero, Tier 1 supplier, OEM technology