Michelin has announced the acquisition of RoadBotics, an American company specialising in road infrastructure images analysis.
Founded in 2016, RoadBotics leverages artificial intelligence to analyse visual data collected on roads by cameras (mainly smartphones). Michelin says that, thanks to RoadBotics’ computer vision know-how, the images are transformed into actionable insights which helps road managers to identify priority maintenance areas.
With this acquisition, Michelin explains it is is fostering the development of services and solutions already offered by MICHELIN DDi (Driving Data to Intelligence), a Group activity committed to analysing data and driving behaviour.
It believes the computer vision expertise developed by RoadBotics, combined with MICHELIN’s DDi know-how, will provide unique insights on near-misses root causes based on driving behaviour and, as a result, their decisions will be easier, faster, more relevant and their management of road safety more efficient. The service will initially be available in North America before being rolled out in Europe.
“This new acquisition is in line with Michelin’s growth strategy around tires. With the acquisition of RoadBotics, Michelin strengthens its expertise in artificial intelligence supporting a smarter and safer mobility. Combining its unique knowledge of tire/vehicle uses, driving behaviour analysis and Roadbotics computer vision expertise, Michelin is enriching its services and solutions offer portfolio to road managers helping them to optimise and secure road networks”, declared Lorraine Frega, Executive Vice President – Distribution, Services & Solutions, Strategy, Innovation & Partnerships of the Michelin Group.
(Picture – RoadBotics)
