The US Startup Collecting Curb Data to Make Cities Safer, Greener & Smarter - Automotus CEO Jordan Justus

US startup Automotus has developed computer vision technology deployed at the curb to enable automated smart loading zones (SLZs). Its digital camera technology monitors parking and traffic activity and collects curb usage data. This data allows cities or parking owners create more efficient operations and improve experiences for all users of the curb including parcel delivery drivers, bike and scooter riders, pedestrians, Uber/Lyft drivers, and more.

Automotus was launched by close friends Jordan Justus and Harris Lummis.

"The company has grown from just two kids in student housing, to a diverse team of more than 20 industry experts and dedicated professionals who share our goal to transform cities through less congestion, emissions and safety hazards on our streets," Automotus CEO and Co-founder, Justus, tells Auto Futures.

Its digital camera technology uses AI and computer vision to monitor and scan parking and loading zone areas along the curb in cities and airports. The cameras can be attached to any existing infrastructure component including streetlights and signage.

"The system lets stakeholders fully automate all labor-intensive curb operations, reduce emissions and congestion, improve safety, increase parking turnover, and capture parking and loading zone revenues. The data captured is delivered in real-time to a user-friendly and customizable analytics dashboard, allowing operators to access all data necessary to evaluate patterns, identify opportunities to streamline operations, and implement policies," he explains.

It also helps cities identify inefficiencies in their parking or loading zone operations.

"The amount of time, and as a result carbon emissions, spent each year on vehicles of all kinds searching for parking, pick-up and drop-off, and loading zone spaces is astounding. The growing number of communities utilizing Automotus solutions have seen an average of 10% reduction in carbon emissions, 40% reduction in double parking hazards, and 40% increase in parking turnover. We are so thrilled to see how these solutions are transforming cities and excited about what the future holds."

Reducing Dwell Time in PIttsburgh

In April, 2021, Automotus launched an initiative with the Pittsburgh Parking Authority and the Pittsburgh Department of Mobility and Infrastructure to enable the city to monitor and manage its loading zones more effectively. The goal was to collect data on curb usage, increase parking turnover and reduce safety hazards from double parking.

"We installed our digital camera technology across 20 separate zones throughout the city. The project has resulted in several benefits including increasing loading zone turnover by 40%, while reducing the average stay by 23%. It has also significantly increased delivery efficiency for small businesses and delivery drivers. These improvements have also reduced vehicle idling, thereby lowering greenhouse gas emissions and the devastating impacts to the environment," says Justus.

The city has subsequently seen a reduction in double parks and dwell time, while overall parking has increased. The initiative was so successful that the city voted to expand the technology to the rest of Pittsburgh.

"We’re looking forward to seeing all of these amazing results replicated throughout the rest of the city to improve the parking and loading experience for users, while providing the City with the data and resources to optimize their operation."

Creating Cleaner Communities

For Automotus, user privacy and the security of sensitive information is its highest priority.

"The technology maintains user anonymity by blurring all faces captured by the digital cameras. The software de-identifies all user data, and only captures license plate information necessary to automate payments and enforce violations. The information is not used for any other purposes or stored," explains Justus.

Finally, we asked Justus for his vision on what urban mobility and smart cities will look like by 2030.

"There are so many concepts and technologies that could and will likely play a role in shaping the cities of the future. Autonomous vehicles, mobility as a service, high-speed transportation, Internet of Things and smart infrastructure, 5G technology, connectivity, drone delivery and mobility, and probably others that we haven’t even thought of yet will all combine in some way depending on the goals and unique needs of each city," he predicts.

"From a parking standpoint, cities will continue to implement smart technologies like the ones Automotus offers to enhance data capture, create cleaner communities, and implement dynamic pricing to streamline operations and encourage more diverse transportation and mobility options."

"We are on the front lines when it comes to developing and implementing the smart parking technologies that cities will use to create smarter and more connected communities. We love working with our municipal clients to really dig into their unique needs and identify what solutions will help them meet their goals and effectively support their communities," concludes Justus.