Autonomy 2023: When artificial intelligence is at the heart of discussions, PBSC tells you everything!

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Last week, the PBSC team headed to Paris to attend Autonomy Mobility World Expo 2023, the world's largest annual gathering for sustainable urban mobility solutions. The 7th edition  brought together more than 300 experts, players and decision makers from the urban mobility industry to discuss trends and challenges facing the industry. 

As a result, we observed that the trends predicted by many experts, also mentioned in our recent article, are definitely confirmed in 2023. Nonetheless, a new subject appeared on everyone's lips during the event: the massive emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), a technology that could revolutionize the mobility market. PBSC tells you all!

Artificial intelligence for greater safety

Over the past few years, many AI-enabled features have emerged for bike and scooter sharing systems. One example is our next-generation e-scooter, introduced during this year’s Autonomy World Expo. It is equipped with advanced sidewalk detection technology, able to identify in real-time when the scooter is on a sidewalk. Micromobility vehicles can also be equipped with obstacle detection technologies, which can prevent potential collisions. 

All these innovations not only contribute to the rider protection but also the safety of people nearby. AI helps enhance the riding experience by providing more security and prevention, encouraging more people to use shared mobility as their means of transportation.

The benefit of AI for operators and cities 

AI can also be integrated into mobile applications and fleet control centers. Data collected by AI can be very valuable for cities and operators. With improved management, refined tracking and real-time fleet data collection, there is a better understanding of commuter behavior and habits and therefore better understanding of their needs.

Quebec City's aVélo system is an excellent example of AI integration in a bike-sharing system. Since May 2022, the RTC has been collaborating with Qucit Bike to improve its fleet management and maintenance through AI. For operators, this ensures optimized management and quick maintenance of their fleets. For cities, it makes it easier to implement adapted infrastructure and to encourage the use of sustainable modes of transportation.

AI and urban mobility: what prospects for the future?

AI has already enabled many breakthroughs in urban mobility. It helps minimize or even solve some of the challenges we are facing as key mobility players, which can include user & data security, accessibility, inclusivity and many more. Artificial intelligence is still in the early phases of its development and there is no doubt that this new technology will continue to grow exponentially. We can't wait to see what else it can offer to urban mobility!

Big thanks to Autonomy for organizing this event which allowed us to explore a new emerging trend in the mobility market. We look forward to seeing you next year for Autonomy's 8th edition! Any take on which new trend will emerge next ?