Israeli Startup Wants to Use Phone Tracing to Keep Pedestrians Safe
Photo: Free-Photos via Pixabay
Pedestrian protection is a key concern when it comes to driverless cars. Viziblezone, an Israeli startup, has a smartphone-based solution that could help improve autonomous vehicle safety.
Modern Protection: Discover the benefits of OnStar technology
How Viziblezone’s solution works
While some AV technologies are built into the vehicle itself, the Viziblezone pedestrian safety solution is designed to pair with either a car infotainment system or smartphone. When a driver is using the system via their smartphone (or smartphone synced to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto), the Wi-Fi antennae on their phone sends a signal. Other phones with the system can pick up this signal.
Because the system relies on radio frequency technology, it doesn’t have the same limitations as visual-based systems. This means that it can detect pedestrians behind obstacles so the driver (or autonomous vehicle) has enough time to avoid a collision. It’s also smart enough to know whether the pedestrian is on foot, using an electric scooter, or riding a bike. The system can also detect approaching vehicles.
Envisioning smarter and safer AVs
Viziblezone’s co-founder and COO Shmulik Barel shared the company’s vision for the technology with The Drive. “What we are building is sensing technology which allows all pedestrians, vehicles, [and] drivers to understand, to be more aware of the situation, so they are able to make better decisions.” And though it’s possible that the company might integrate the system with in-vehicle technologies at some point, he said it’s not a top priority for his team right now.
We’ll have to wait and see how the Viziblezone system develops in the days ahead. Considering that the company is already dialoguing with hardware manufacturers and network operators, it’s possible that smartphones might soon have the system automatically installed on it as a default feature.
For more exciting AV technology, read this article here. And get the scoop on centerline hardening, a type of barrier that helps improve pedestrian safety at intersections.
A Safe and Healthy Summer: Tips for sanitizing your car against COVID-19
Whitney Russell resides in Dayton, though her spirit can be found beach-bumming in Puerto Rico (the land of her half-Puerto Rican heritage). When not crafting car-related content, she can be found chasing after the most amazing toddler in the world, watching her “beaver” of a husband build amazing woodworking projects, hanging out with two crazy dogs, and visiting family and friends. She also enjoys traveling, crafting, and binge-watching period dramas when time allows. See more articles by Whitney.