Segway-Ninebot has forged strategic partnerships with Drover AI and Luna Systems, two cutting-edge startups specializing in computer vision technology for electric scooters. The collaboration aims to integrate their advanced solutions into Segway’s AI-enabled e-scooters, propelling them to the forefront of the market.
At the prestigious Micromobility Europe event in Amsterdam, Segway announced its new direction, building on the success of its AI-powered scooter, the S90L. Unlike its competitors, Segway offers a holistic approach to scooter advanced rider assistance systems (ARAS) by providing a unified platform encompassing the scooter itself, intelligent sensors, and computer vision models. This innovative offering has resonated with shared micro-mobility operators, with over 20,000 S90L units sold to date, primarily through partnerships with prominent players like Lyft.
However, Tony Ho, Segway’s Vice President of Business Development, acknowledged the need for specialization and optimization. To streamline operations and focus on core competencies, Segway has collaborated with Drover and Luna, pioneers in camera-focused scooter ARAS. These partnerships provide Segway with the flexibility to enhance its hardware offerings while empowering its partners to drive software development, ensuring maximum effectiveness.
New Cities Necessitates
Deploying AI-based scooters in new cities necessitates comprehensive training in the computer vision system to adapt to diverse environments, including streets, pavements, parking systems, and bike lanes. This process entails gathering vast amounts of city-specific data and tailoring the models accordingly. Recognizing the challenges of scaling, Segway sought out Drover and Luna, experts in their respective fields, to leverage their expertise and address this crucial aspect.
The synergistic collaborations between Segway, Drover, and Luna encompass two distinctive approaches. Customers investing in S90L models, equipped with cutting-edge cameras, processors, CPUs, and GPUs, can choose to integrate either Drover’s or Luna’s highly advanced scooter ARAS algorithms directly from the factory. Segway’s software will also be available as an option, although the company will allocate minimal resources to its development and promotion.
Mini App Store For e-scooters
In essence, Segway envisions creating a revolutionary “mini app store” for their e-scooters, enabling developers, startups, and operators to leverage Segway’s vehicles as a platform for training and implementing their proprietary algorithms. This open approach fosters innovation and offers unparalleled flexibility in tailoring solutions to specific requirements.
For operators without S90L models, Segway presents an alternative in the form of their modular AI system, Pilot Edge. This cutting-edge add-on box features all the essential sensors for scooter ARAS, seamlessly integrating Drover or Luna’s exceptional technology. While Segway remains open to any software preferences expressed by its operator customers, the company has forged a preferred software partnership with Drover, ensuring a seamless integration experience. Similarly, Drover strongly recommends Segway’s hardware platform for integrated vehicles and standalone computer vision modules, further cementing the mutually beneficial collaboration.
This groundbreaking partnership not only relieves Drover and Luna from the complexities of hardware development and deployment but also allows them to focus their efforts on software development and monetization. By leveraging Segway’s established market presence and extensive reach, both startups can concentrate on their core competencies while enjoying the benefits of reduced costs and improved profitability.
Segway’s vision is to revolutionize the integration of computer vision technology into e-scooters, ensuring unrivalled safety and efficiency in diverse urban environments. By aggregating demand and providing a comprehensive platform for cutting-edge software solutions, Segway is poised to dominate the market and shape the future of the micro-mobility industry.