Powered by Google’s ARCore Geospatial API, Bird’s has launched their new parking technology aimed at solving the parking problems of the micromobility industry by enforcing parking standards.
Bird has introduced its new parking technology, the Bird Visual Parking System (VPS), which is free and requires no infrastructure or technology investments from the community.
Bird VPS’ new parking tool that is scalable and powered by Google’s ARCore Geospatial API. Utilizing years of Google 3D scanning, augmented reality (AR) technology, and global Google Maps Street View data, the technology enables Bird to geo-localize parked scooters with far greater accuracy and ensure that riders are adhering to parking regulations in order to keep walkways and ramps clear of obstructions.
“The new ARCore Geospatial API from Google is an absolute game changer for micromobility that allows us to offer cities a first-of-its-kind Visual Parking System that’s unmatched in terms of accuracy and scalability, with Bird VPS, we’re able to meet cities’ number one need, proper parking, in a way that’s never been possible before, and we’re able to do it at scale in cities around the world thanks to Google’s robust global data and technology.” said Justin Balthrop, Chief Technology Officer at Bird.
To use the system riders should:
Scan – At the conclusion of a ride, the rider is prompted to scan the surrounding area with the smartphone’s camera.
Bird instantly compares the rider’s images to those in Google’s data repository and Street View images.
Bird VPS will either allow the rider to park and continue with their day (if it complies with city parking regulations) or prompt them to correct the vehicle’s parking before ending the ride.
Currently, it is being tested in New York City, San Francisco, and San Diego, with plans to expand to more of Bird’s 400+ partner cities. The tech is in the Bird app and is compatible with both iOS and Android operating systems, making it available to all Bird riders as it rolls out in cities, and resistant to theft and vandalism, unlike other parking technologies.
