E-bike and scooter share platform Bird has announced that it will be launching a new 'Smart Sidewalk Protection' technology for its vehicles. The new tech, which is currently being trialed in Milwaukee and San Diego, intends to prevent Bird's micromobility vehicles from being used on city sidewalks and footpaths.
Bird teamed up with GPS/GNSS experts at u-blox, a tech company based in Switzerland, to develop the technology. The new solution utilizes a sensor-fusion module that can combine numerous data streams into one location measurement. For example, when riders begin traveling on a sidewalk or footpath, they will receive audio alerts and mobile notifications warning that they must return to the road. If the notifications are ignored, the Bird vehicle will slowly lose power and shut off.
Sidewalk Detecting E-Scooters
Bike Share Company Bird Will Launch Sidewalk Protection Technology
Trend Themes
1. Smart Sidewalk Protection Technology - Bird's new technology is a disruptive innovation opportunity for micromobility companies and urban transportation providers looking to improve safety and compliance on city sidewalks.
2. Sensor Fusion Modules - Sensor fusion modules have disruptive innovation opportunities for companies or industries looking to integrate multiple data sources for greater accuracy and precision.
3. Micromobility Vehicle Restrictions - The rise of micromobility vehicles has created a disruptive innovation opportunity for companies and municipalities to improve regulations and restrictions on city sidewalks.
Industry Implications
1. Micromobility - The micromobility industry can take advantage of Bird's Smart Sidewalk Protection technology to improve safety and user experience on city sidewalks.
2. Tech Hardware - Tech hardware companies can capitalize on the increasing demand for sensor fusion modules that provide greater accuracy and precision for location tracking.
3. Urban Transportation - The urban transportation industry has a disruptive innovation opportunity to improve regulations and infrastructure to better accommodate the rise of micromobility vehicles while maintaining safety on city sidewalks.