Drowsy driving and sudden medical emergencies are major contributors to traffic accidents, necessitating continuous, non-intrusive driver monitoring. Since current technologies often struggle to balance accuracy with practicality, this study presents the design, fabrication, and validation of a smart steering wheel prototype. The device integrates dry-contact electrocardiogram (ECG), photoplethysmography (PPG), and inertial sensors to facilitate multimodal physiological monitoring. The system underwent a two-stage evaluation involving a single participant: laboratory validation benchmarking acquired signals against medical-grade equipment, followed by real-world testing in a custom electric research vehicle to assess performance under dynamic conditions. Laboratory results demonstrated that the prototype captured high-quality signals suitable for reliable heart rate variability analysis. Furthermore, on-road evaluation confirmed the system’s operational functionality; despite increased noise from motion artifacts, the ECG signal remained sufficiently robust for continuous R-peak detection. These findings confirm that the multimodal smart steering wheel is a feasible solution for unobtrusive driver monitoring. This integrated platform provides a solid foundation for developing sophisticated machine-learning algorithms to enhance road safety by predicting fatigue and detecting adverse health events.

Research and development help improve the reliability of EVs range, battery capacity, and trouble-free charging (or service). These factors affect consumers’ interest in EVs. The quality of EV use can be supported by a modern technology called Energy Assistant (EA). The task of EA is to inform the driver about the current range, the necessity to recharge the batteries, and so on to avoid a critical situation. The main aim of this article was to investigate factors and input parameters for the proposal of EA. The Edison EV designed at the University of Žilina, was used for experimental work under real conditions and in an accredited lab with MAHA equipment.

This study presents a systematic experimental analysis of vibration responses in a planetary gearbox (type A2000) under both undamaged and artificially induced fault conditions. The primary aim was to identify specific frequency-domain signatu...

The article deals with a modern form of teaching the subjects Measurement, diagnostics and testing of machines, Alternative drives, Engineering design III, IV, Innovation of technical systems, which are taught at the Department of Design and Machine Parts at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the University of Žilina in bachelors and engineering studies. The result of the education is not only the acquisition of new information about various measuring systems, diagnostic systems and testing of machinery but also the acquisition of experience from actual measurements performed in laboratory exercises. From the methodological and technical point of view, the laboratory provides a comprehensive laboratory background for testing mobile and stationary drives and vehicle drives, especially alternative car drives for unconventional energy sources. Exercises in the laboratory, as well as practical exercises in a closed test circuit, allow students to understand the issue better and apply the acquired knowledge in practice significantly focused on the automotive industry with the advent of electromobility and other alternative drives, where there is still a high demand for experts in engineering.

This article describes mechanical differences in behaviour of groove squared profiles, which are made of carbon composite material. Specimens were made by winding of prepreg carbon fibre filament around Rexroth profile. Afterward was epoxy of first specimen cured in shape form and the epoxy of second specimen was cured in vacuum chamber. This way was made two difference internal structures with different mechanical properties. Their properties were tested by bend test. Bend test lasted till first hearable cracking and not until complete breakage of material. By this way, we describe carbon composite material by properties before even small breakages in internal structure. Measurement data can be used for comparisons with simulation FEM analysis. This is especially important in developing new products. This work was done at University of Žilina Faculty of Mechanical engineering, Department of Design and Mechanical Elements. The tests were performed on tensile test machine LabTest 5.20ST type: KAP-S.

The TBRB 01 (Testing Bench for Railway Bearings) is designed for testing axleboxes in accordance with EN 12082:2017+A1:2021 Railway applications- Axleboxes- Performance Testing. The subject of the test is a structural group consisting of a housing body, rolling bearings, in this case, cylindrical roller bearings, seals, and usually a grease lubricant. A preliminary test is carried out on such a design group basically run-in of the bearings is carried out. The preliminary test consists of loading the bearings with a radial force and successively loading the bearings with an axial force and speed. Subsequently, a performance test is performed during which the bearings are loaded according to the designed parameters and standards. During the test, temperatures, loading forces, rotational speeds, air velocity on the axleboxes, etc. are checked. These values are recorded and evaluated in the test equipment’s hardware and software. The bearings are subjected to thermal, mechanical, and visual criteria in accordance with the standard. The lubricant is analyzed for the content of selected metals according to the bearing design.