Moia is using AI-enabled interior analysis software to carry out certain safety checks on board its fleet of Volkswagen-supplied self-driving, all-electric ID. Buzz AD vehicles. Developed by emotion3D, the software uses artificial intelligence to take over safety tasks previously managed by the driver. It automatically detects if the doors are clear, if an object is blocking the cabin floor and the lighting conditions inside the vehicle.
Additionally, it checks the permitted number of passengers and their correct use of seatbelts. Within a few seconds, the AI-supported software signals the self-driving vehicle to drive or, if necessary, hands over to the fleet control center. In certain cases, the fleet control center can grant clearance from outside and communicate with the passengers via an audio connection if needed.
Data provided by interior cameras is analyzed using the AI software stack Cabin Eye from emotion3D and the results are transmitted to the Moia software. All data is collected in accordance with the principles of the General Data Protection Regulation and Privacy by Design. For operators of autonomous vehicle fleets, automation can also yield potential cost savings by reducing the ratio of dispatchers to vehicles in the fleet control center.
Ralf Sigmund, chief technology officer at Moia, explained, “Safety is our top priority. emotion3D’s technology allows us to decouple the driver from the vehicle without compromising on safety or customer experience. With this, we want to set an industry standard. In-cabin analysis is a key element in creating the highest level of safety and comfort for all future passengers of autonomous operations.”
Florian Seitner, CEO of emotion3D, added, “Interior analysis is an often overlooked but crucial component of autonomous mobility services. Through situational interior monitoring, we help automate secondary driver tasks to create a safe and comfortable journey for autonomous ride-pooling passengers. We are delighted to support Moia with our solution.”
In the coming months, the interior analysis and customer experience of automated processes will be tested. Safety drivers will also be on board during this phase to monitor the processes.
Moia operates Europe’s largest ride-pooling service in Hamburg and has transported more than 10 million passengers to date. Besides an intelligent vehicle, the transition to autonomous ride-pooling also requires automated processes in service and fleet operation as well as a powerful software platform. Moia covers the entire value chain of an autonomous mobility service with this unique combination. In Europe, Moia offers cities and transportation companies all the necessary components for operating autonomous ride-pooling.