Background

Various key-based auto-theft prevention systems have been developed and deployed, allowing the vehicle to start only upon successful authentication. Nevertheless, 721,885 vehicles were stolen in the US in 2019 (i.e., 44 second/theft), costing $6.4 billon in total. This is happening despite advances in key technology such as RF integrated metal keys and smart keys. 57,096 vehicles were stolen in 2015 alone as a result of leaving the keys inside the car. There is therefore a need for more than one authentication system to prevent the theft of vehicles

Technology Overview

Researchers at the University of Colorado have created a method for authenticating a driver’s identity and controlling a battery’s power output in a vehicle according to the authentication results. One or more credentials (i.e., fingerprints/password) are stored by a controller in the vehicle. If someone tries to scan/input their credentials and the credential is not matching, the battery restricts power output to the electric starter motor thereby requiring a successful credential match to start the car.

Stage of Development

Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7.

Benefits

Significantly reduces the risk of theft
Protects against vehicle thefts via cyber attacks
Triggering alarms in cases of failed authentication
Reduced power consumption
Corroborated user acceptance
A solution to replace existing key-based systems
Extendable to electric scooters

Anti-theft Vehicle Immobilizer Using Automotive Batteries

Patents

IP Status