AI-enabled dashcams and onboard cameras are changing the way fleet management operates.
While dashcams have long been in use, the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is bringing about significant advances in the effectiveness of cameras and video telematics, which brings benefits both for drivers and for fleets.
The combination of machine vision and AI helps fleets of all sizes and industries better identify and correct risky driving behaviors, protect drivers from false claims and aid the overall security and safety of the roads.
How machine vision helps in fleet management
Speaking to asmag.com recently, a spokesperson from
Lytx pointed out that machine vision can scan the internal and external environment of the vehicle to identify distracted driving behaviors such as mobile phone use, eating, drinking, smoking or failure to wear a seatbelt. AI, learning from an ever-increasing footage database, can assess the risk of that situation and determine whether it needs to be flagged to the manager via a short video clip.
This combination of technologies, known as MV+AI, is helping fleets to identify risky behaviors before they progress into an incident – which is of immense value to fleet managers and insurers alike. MV+AI is also empowering the drivers themselves by using in-cab alerts that warn the driver when risky behavior takes place, allowing them to self-correct immediately.
Also read: 6 ways fleet management solutions help during COVID-19
The rising role of analytics
Video analytics that can monitor drivers’ behavior is a powerful tool for fleet managers. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. Gaurav Kumar, Co-founder of
Cyrrup Solutions, pointed out facial recognition is another tool that’s become incredibly useful in this industry.
“At times, drivers may ask their assistants or someone else to drive for a while, which is not permitted,” Kumar said. “A facial recognition system can ensure that only the designated driver is behind the wheel at all times. In school buses, facial recognition system can be used to ensure student attendance.”
Onboard analytics in school buses can also help ensure that students follow basic safety practices such as wearing seatbelts.
What’s limiting adoption?
When implementing any new technology, fleet managers must have a plan to communicate it clearly to achieve driver buy-in.
“We offer a myriad of tools to support fleets throughout the implementation process,” the Lytx spokesperson said. “Fleet clients tell us that communication is key. Something as simple as having a fleet manager sit down with drivers in front of the technology and showing them what they see back at the depot can be beneficial. Transparency about the specific uses of video telematics makes it much easier to gain driver acceptance and help them feel that cameras are not there to ‘catch them out.’”
Sharing insights about trends and patterns with drivers can also be helpful. For example, identifying a peak in risky driving behaviors on a particular day of the week that drivers may need to be mindful of is likely to be perceived as helpful information. It’s also essential for drivers to be aware that cameras can be on their side, reducing the risk of misplaced blame and rewarding low-risk driving.
The challenge of integration
One potential danger of the recent rapid technological developments is that fleets can find themselves with several different telematics systems. For managers to derive value from the data gathered, they need to be able to gain a full picture of their fleet in one place – which may encompass tracking, driver behavior, and vehicle diagnostics.
This means that disparate systems must be integrated smoothly via APIs so that managers are provided with a consolidated view of the fleet and can access all the information they need to increase efficiency and improve safety from a single screen.
Conclusion
AI-enabled surveillance cameras are making steady inroads into the security industry. Their presence in fleet management will help fleet management operators have better situational awareness, ensure compliance to rules, and offer quick responses in case of emergencies.