Product Overview: Velo AI Copilot
Introduction
Velo AI’s Copilot is a revolutionary, AI-powered bike light and camera system designed to significantly enhance cycling safety. Developed by a team of experts with a background in autonomous vehicle technology, Copilot leverages advanced AI algorithms to monitor the environment behind cyclists, providing real-time alerts and warnings to prevent accidents.
Key Features and Functionality
AI-Powered Vehicle Detection
Copilot uses a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4, aided by a custom Hailo AI co-processor, to run neural networks for computer vision. This enables the device to detect and distinguish nearby vehicles, understand when a vehicle is approaching or about to overtake, and identify aggressive or distracted drivers.
Real-Time Alerts
The device issues audible and visual alerts to the cyclist when it detects potential dangers. For the cyclist, these alerts are audible, while for the driver, they are signaled through flashing LED light patterns. This dual alert system helps in preventing dangerous situations and crashes.
Video Recording and Documentation
Copilot is equipped with a fixed-lens Arducam camera that continuously records video footage of the cyclist’s ride. This feature allows for the capture of every ride, providing valuable data and documentation in case of incidents. Users can also download video footage of their rides through a companion app on their smartphone.
Companion App Integration
The device connects to a smartphone app, which can be mounted on the bike’s handlebars. The app provides a visual representation of what’s happening behind the cyclist, enhancing their situational awareness. It also allows users to review near-misses and incidents, contributing to a broader understanding of cycling safety challenges.
Predictive Risk Estimation
Copilot analyzes vehicle behavior in real-time, identifying potential hazards before they become a threat. It categorizes vehicle behavior into ‘following,’ ‘approaching,’ and ‘overtaking,’ triggering different alerts based on the type of driver behavior detected.
Battery Life and Charging
The device is powered by a rechargeable two-cell lithium-ion battery, offering around five hours of battery life while consuming only 4–5 watts of power. It is rechargeable via USB-C, making it convenient for long rides and easy charging.
Design and Mounting
Copilot is designed to be compact, lightweight, and weatherproof. It comes with a mount to fix it to a bike’s seat post or saddle rail, with the camera facing rearward to monitor the area behind the cyclist.
Impact on Cycling Safety
Velo AI’s Copilot is part of a broader mission to make streets safer for all cyclists. By providing enhanced situational awareness and documenting interactions with vehicles, Copilot not only protects individual riders but also generates data that can inform infrastructure improvements and policy-making. The data collected is analyzed in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University’s Mobility Data Analytics Center to create predictive tools and identify high-risk areas before accidents happen.
In summary, the Velo AI Copilot is a cutting-edge safety device that combines AI technology, real-time alerts, and video recording to significantly enhance the safety of cyclists, making it an essential tool for anyone who regularly rides on urban roads.