MOIA and emotion3D: AI solution takes over driver safety tasks for autonomous operation with the ID. Buzz AD

Hamburg, July 24, 2024 - MOIA and automotive software provider emotion3D have developed an AI solution for the interior analysis of Volkswagen's self-driving, all-electric ID. Buzz AD. The software uses artificial intelligence to take over safety tasks previously managed by the driver. It automatically detects if the doors are clear, if an object is blocking the cabin floor or the lightning conditions inside the vehicle. Additionally, it checks the permitted number of passengers and their correct use of seatbelts. Within a few seconds, the AI-supported software signals the self-driving vehicle to drive or, if necessary, hands over to the fleet control center. In certain cases, the fleet control center can grant clearance from outside and communicate with the passengers via an audio connection if needed.   

Data provided by interior cameras is analyzed using the AI software stack CABIN EYE from emotion3D and the results are transmitted to the MOIA software. All data is collected in accordance with the principles of the General Data Protection Regulation and Privacy by Design. For operators of autonomous vehicle fleets, automation can also yield potential cost savings by reducing the ratio of dispatchers to vehicles in the fleet control center. 

Ralf Sigmund, Chief Technology Officer at MOIA, explains: “Safety is our top priority. emotion3D’s technology allows us to decouple the driver from the vehicle without compromising on safety or customer experience. With this, we want to set an industry standard. In-cabin analysis is a key element in creating the highest level of safety and comfort for all future passengers of autonomous operations.” 

Florian Seitner, Chief Executive Officer of emotion3D, adds: “Interior analysis is an often overlooked but crucial component of autonomous mobility services. Through situational interior monitoring, we help automate secondary driver tasks to create a safe and comfortable journey for autonomous ridepooling passengers. We are delighted to support MOIA with our solution.”  

In the coming months, the interior analysis and customer experience of automated processes will be tested. Safety drivers will also be on board during this phase to monitor the processes.   

MOIA operates Europe's largest ridepooling service in Hamburg and has transported more than 10 million passengers to date. Besides an intelligent vehicle, the transition to autonomous ridepooling also requires automated processes in service and fleet operation as well as a powerful software platform. MOIA covers the entire value chain of an autonomous mobility service with this unique combination. In Europe, MOIA offers cities and transport companies all the necessary components for operating autonomous ridepooling.

Further press material and photos can be found at:  https://www.moia.io/en/news-center 

About MOIA   

MOIA is a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group. The company develops mobility services in Berlin and Hamburg and works in partnership with cities and local public transportation providers. MOIA is currently implementing a ridepooling system to reduce individual car traffic in cities and make more efficient use of road infrastructure. Cities are relieved of congestion, noise and exhaust fumes. MOIA has been offering its ridepooling service in Hanover since summer 2018, followed by Hamburg, the first city with over a million inhabitants, on April 15, 2019. Together with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, MOIA is currently testing autonomous ridepooling in a pilot project in Hamburg. The aim is to develop an autonomous, internationally scalable ridepooling system and put it on the road in Hamburg after 2026. Further information can be found at www.moia.io.   

About emotion3D  

emotion3D is a software company based in Vienna providing in-cabin analysis solutions such as driver monitoring and occupant monitoring to a variety of customers since 2017. In-cabin analysis solutions are crucial to fulfil current and future safety regulations and to implement novel user experience features. With its in-cabin analysis software stack CABIN EYE, emotion3D covers all areas of concern: active safety, passive safety, user experience and automation. For further information visit our website at www.emotion3d.ai