Voi teams up with Irish start-up Provizio to make e-scooters safer

Provizio has developed a 5D perception system that will help Voi e-scooters detect other vehicles and pedestrians to prevent accidents.

Swedish micromobility company Voi is teaming up with Irish start-up Provizio to make their e-scooters safer.

Using its AI-based accident prevention technology, Provizio will ensure Voi e-scooters are able to identify other vehicles up to 200m away and pedestrians up to 60m away – helping predict and prevent potential accidents in real-time.

Founded in 2019 by former Arralis CEO Barry Lunn and headquartered in Limerick, Provizio has developed a five-dimensional perception system that can continually see, track and interpret vehicular behaviour and identify roadway elements.

Through this partnership, the latest 5D Perception Platform will be deployed on Voi e-scooters as they prepare to launch in the Irish market when legislation is ready.

“From the outset Provizio has committed to ensuring our perception technology would protect more vulnerable road users along with drivers,” said Lunn, who is Provizio’s chief executive.

“This partnership is another step towards our goal of making mobility safer for all travellers in a mixed mobility future. Voi shares our values in this regard, and we are looking forward to helping them deliver the safest micromobility experience possible for their riders.”

In June, Provizio teamed up with researchers at Lero, the Science Foundation Ireland software research centre, to combine data from onboard cameras and radar sensors to help eliminate traffic accidents for both human drivers and autonomous vehicles.

‘Empowering people to leave their cars behind’

Stockholm-headquartered Voi has committed to eliminating all severe injuries and fatalities connected to its service by 2030. The latest system will be developed over the next three months at the Future Mobility Campus Ireland, which simulates a real-world environment.

“By partnering with Provizio, Voi continues its dedication to empowering people to leave their cars behind and move around their city in a safer, more sustainable way,” said Sam Pooke, senior policy manager for Voi Ireland and UK.

“Not all journeys will be the same as the previous one. However, working in collaboration with Provizio not only supports the notion that every e-scooter rider must act responsibly, but every journey must end safely.”

In July 2021, Voi teamed up with Irish tech start-up Luna Systems to conduct a large-scale computer vision trial in Northampton, UK, exploring the use of computer vision to keep pedestrians safe and scooters off footpaths. It raised $115m in Series D funding in December.

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