By monitoring the inside and outside of the vehicle, Smart Cars aims to give the appropriate advice to the driver.

Petersson said the speed sign detection system is closest to commercialization, which, when in production, will incorporate a camera, the software, and a small display in a device about the size of a mobile phone. NICTA estimates the production units will be priced at around A$300 (US$228) to A$400.

During its annual Techfest in Sydney this week, NICTA demonstrated its Smart Cars technology using multiple computers in a large four-wheel drive. Petersson described this as "overkill" and said the core components will be "something people want in their cars".

NICTA is now in negotiations with after-market car accessory manufacturers and other entities interested in licensing the technology.