FOLLOW’s Route Planners Empower People with Reduced Mobility through the use of AI
Cities can still be inaccessible for walking for people with reduced mobility, with a diverse range of obstacles that hinder their walking experience, reducing their active mobility. FOLLOW proposes a route planner for people with reduced mobility, which relies on data provided by Streetco’s obstacle mapper app. Streetco asks users to take pictures of obstacles, using AI recognition to categorize them. This information is represented in the route planner to aid in finding the most accessible walking route. FOLLOW’s objective is to improve the accessibility and safety of people with reduced mobility, as well as encourage their active mobility.
FOLLOW is an innovative initiative driven by CARNET in collaboration with Instant System, Streeco, Technological University of Eindhoven, Brest and Dublin. In Brest, Instant System’s existing mobility app, Bibus, has been integrated with the Streetco app during the project, and in Dublin the new FOLLOW mobility app has been developed specially to be integrated with Streetco for the project. FOLLOW has leveraged the power of technology and real-time data to create route planners that improve the way people with reduced mobility navigate streets. At the end of the project Streetco’s obstacle mapper can be acquired standalone or integrated into existing mobility and route planning apps, like the case of Bibus. The project develops different apps and the integration between them.
The route planner was tested by users from Brest and Dublin during the month of October. As well, in order to get in person feedback from participants with reduced mobility and representatives of related organizations, demonstration events took place in both cities. The participants used the Streetco’s AI technology to map obstacles in their areas and then used Bibus or FOLLOW Dublin for real-time route planning based on the obstacles encountered. Their feedback indicated a high acceptance of the technology and a need for this tool in the market. The collaborative nature of the project ensured that the route planners were designed with the needs and experiences of individuals with reduced mobility in mind.
The month of October proved to be a success for the project. The number of users trying out the apps in the testing period surpassed expectations and helped showcase the high demand for user-friendly, accessible route planners that cater specifically to the needs of individuals with reduced mobility. The success of the initial demonstrations and the positive feedback received from users have set the stage for the FOLLOW project’s continued development. The project is committed to refining the route planners further and ensuring that they meet the highest standards of technology, accessibility and ease of use.
In conclusion, FOLLOW’s two route planners, represent a significant leap forward in enhancing the lives of individuals with reduced mobility. The successful pilots in October, coupled with enthusiastic user engagement and feedback, highlight the importance of technology in making our cities more accessible for all. As the FOLLOW project moves closer to market readiness, it promises to be a useful tool for those seeking more accessible and user-friendly ways to navigate the world around them.
Project co-funded by EIT Urban Mobility.
