Autotalks Seeks Bike Makers to Integrate Its Vehicle-to-Everything Technology in Micromobility Devices

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Revolutionizing Safety in the Micromobility Industry

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology is poised to revolutionize road safety. Autotalks, a pioneering company at the forefront of this innovation, has developed a device called ZooZ2 that alerts riders of potential collisions and communicates with V2X-equipped vehicles and smart infrastructure.

The Problem: Why Cycling Safety Matters

According to Onn Haran, founder and chief technology officer of Autotalks, "Most of the fatalities on the road happen outside the vehicle because vehicles are becoming safer and more robust, and those who get killed are the pedestrians and two-wheelers." The statistics bear this out: in 2019, there were 846 bike fatalities from motor vehicle-related accidents in the United States, a 36% increase since 2010.

Autotalks’ Vision for the Future

The ZooZ2 device is designed to bridge the gap between the bicycle and motorcycle markets by providing riders with an alert system that communicates with V2X-equipped vehicles. Haran’s goal is to bring the bicycle market up to speed with the same level of awareness as the motorcycle market, making it easier for manufacturers to integrate V2X technology into their products.

How ZooZ2 Works

The device, which can be installed on the handlebar of a micromobility vehicle, alerts the rider and other V2X-equipped vehicles and smart infrastructure about its presence. This enables riders to stay safe by receiving warnings of potential collisions.

Technical Details

Communication Protocols: ZooZ2 operates using both dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) V2X and cellular V2X (C-V2X).
Operating Frequency: The device uses a specific frequency range for effective communication with other V2X-equipped vehicles.
Alert System: A strong LED light and buzzer provide simple alerts to riders in case of potential collisions.

Benefits of ZooZ2

Autotalks believes that the technology behind ZooZ2 would be beneficial not only for shared micromobility companies but also for individual bike manufacturers. The company aims to integrate its tech into vehicles for an initial market launch in 2024 or 2025, with mass market adoption expected in subsequent years.

Competitors and Alternatives

Other companies are exploring similar solutions to enhance road safety using computer vision technology. Streetlogic, a pioneer in this space, has developed direct-to-consumer collision warning devices that rely on computer vision algorithms.

Rivals in the V2X Market

Audi partnered with Spoke, Qualcomm, and Commsignia to enhance cellular V2X (C-V2X) technology for alerting Audi vehicles to cyclists.
Autotalks previously introduced a similar technology for motorcycles and has already seen success with mass production in Europe.

Conclusion

Autotalks’ ZooZ2 device represents a significant step forward in the development of road safety technologies. By integrating V2X capabilities into micromobility vehicles, the company aims to reduce accidents involving vulnerable road users. While there are competitors and alternatives in this space, Autotalks is leading the charge with its innovative approach.