A bus operator based in the north east of England has trialled a camera powered by artificial intelligence (AI) to try and predict and prevent road incidents before they occur.
The technology uses AI to warn drivers when a pedestrian or vehicle is in close proximity of a vehicle and can reportedly provide real-time notifications to drivers before a collision occurs.
Video footage of an event is then uploaded to a live data portal for further analysis.
The solution, named Ceneye, was developed by CCTV and fleet telematics specialist Centrad, which hopes the new solution can be used to prevent further deaths on UK roads.
The AI system works by calculating the distance of a vehicle’s proximity and ascertains whether it is within an amber or red zone.
Objects in the red zone trigger a warning to the driver and the fleet manager, as this means there is an imminent collision possibility.
With the Direct Vision Standard’s star requirement is also set to increase to a minimum of three stars by 2024, meaning fleet operators in Greater London will be forced to comply with the latest regulations or face financial penalties.
Geoff Cross, managing director, Centrad, said: “Artificial intelligence is already in the process of revolutionising the world as we currently know it, and through harnessing its power, will create a seismic shift that will lead towards helping to save thousands of lives per year.”
He continued to explain that the adoption of Ceneye could assist operators improve the visibility on their vehicles for drivers, while also helping Transport for London in achieving its Zero Vision pledge to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries from London’s transport network by 2041.
The solution was also designed to help fleet managers record the number of incidents occurring with drivers, allowing them to either discipline said drivers, or enrol them for more driver training to reduce insurance, accident and maintenance costs.
Based on feedback from the trial phase of the project, the company expects to roll out the product to fleet operators across the UK.
