Voi Technology to deploy AI computer vision on e-scooters in Oslo, Norway

Credit: Voi Technology

European micro-mobility operator Voi Technology has announced Europe’s first deployment of computer vision on e-scooters in Oslo, Norway, in partnership with Drover AI.

Having trialled the first global use of computer vision on e-scooters in 2021 in Northampton, UK, Voi’s full-scale launch will see thousands of e-scooters in the Norwegian capital installed with artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The technology uses machine learning and computer vision to accurately and reliably identify whether the e-scooter is on the pavement, road or cycle lane, in order to help to prevent pavement riding.

The technology will supercharge Voi’s geo-fencing capabilities in the city, producing precise results at a level that existing GPS-based solutions do not offer, particularly in a dense built-up environment like Oslo. The technology, similar to the sensors used in autonomous vehicles (AVs), can also be linked directly to a scooter’s motor to automatically slow the speed of the vehicle when it enters forbidden rider zones, such as pavements. In addition, the technology has the capability to train its parking algorithm to spot if a scooter is parked correctly. Using the camera as a sensor, the technology can help Voi and Oslo City Council to govern and control how and where the scooters are parked.

Through a successful rollout in the U.S., the AI technology has been proven to be highly adaptable and easily scaled to new environments without the need for excessive training or expensive labour-intensive pre-mapping. Additionally, the fully European health and safety approved product does not require availability of any GPS data to function, allowing for unparalleled location awareness and, crucially, the ability to take corresponding actions.

Demand for shared micro-mobility is extremely high in Oslo, with 70 per cent of the city’s population having downloaded Voi’s app during Summer 2021. Although most of Oslo’s riders experience a safe, comfortable and efficient ride, Voi is committed to using innovation to ensure that every e-scooter ride in the city is a safe one.

New report from Superpedestrian identifies solutions to deliver better integrated transport

Through this collaboration, Voi will be able to build a record of where and how the scooters are being ridden in Oslo, helping to inform algorithms that can prevent pavement riding and enable better scooter parking. The AI technology will also automatically deliver actionable insights on fleet use and rider behaviours, which Voi can then share with Oslo City Council to help improve the service. The software can also recognise fallen scooters and flag them for corrective action. 

Fredrik Hjelm, Co-Founder and CEO of Voi Technology, said: “Voi’s vision for 2030 is for micro-mobility to become a staple of urban living across the globe. But we know that vision can only become a reality if the micro-mobility industry prioritises the safety of users, pedestrians and other road users equally. That’s why we’re working with Drover to tackle the issue of pavement riding once and for all. By incorporating AI into our micro-mobility offering, we believe that we can nudge riders towards better parking and riding practices.”