British tech startup Hilo EV will showcase its AI-powered food delivery box at Micromobility UK 2024 tomorrow.
In its first aftermarket offering, the ‘Hilo BOX’ retrofits Hilo’s Intelligent Road Illumination System (IRIS) on a delivery box, which connects to any bicycle with a carrier, such as e-bikes, e-mopeds or motorbikes.
Using AI-powered real-time hazard detection, a camera installed on the delivery box warns the rider of environmental changes such as approaching vehicles and pedestrians.
Intelligent lighting displays the vehicle’s signals on the delivery box such as brake and turn signalling, and the associated Hilo app communicates navigation, active warnings and data analytics to the rider.
“The introduction of Hilo’s IRIS system is a significant step forward in protecting delivery riders and gig economy workers who have often been overlooked in the development of safety technologies,” Hilo Co-Founder and CEO Robin Harris exclusively told Zag Daily.
“In the fast-paced world of micromobility, where these workers are frequently exposed to high-risk environments, innovations like IRIS are crucial. The system’s ability to enhance visibility through intelligent lighting, coupled with AI-powered hazard detection and feedback mechanisms, offers a comprehensive safety net that has been sorely needed.”
Alongside AI Computer Vision partner Aurrigo, Hilo has designed the IRIS module to be compact, lightweight and WiFi-enabled for scalable OEM integration.
According to Hilo Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer James Browne, the focus of safety technology has been on larger vehicles and more traditional forms of transportation, leaving gig economy workers who are paid per drop vulnerable. “The integration of advanced safety features into the delivery box itself, a key tool for these workers, is a long overdue recognition of their unique needs.
“By proactively addressing potential dangers, IRIS not only protects riders but also contributes to safer urban environments for all road users.”
For its debut at Micromobility UK 2024 on 18 September, Hilo will retrofit a standard Deliveroo delivery box with the IRIS system. This delivery box will be fitted to a Benzina Duo, currently used by Dominos Australia, which last-mile delivery solution provider EVMI has supplied to Hilo.
EVMI and Hilo have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote the IRIS safety technology to potential customers.
Hilo then plans to expand the IRIS system to other European markets, with a focus on where micromobility is most prominent. Earlier this year, the company entered into a partnership with SACHA Engineering to launch IRIS in Indian and South Asian markets.
Appointed by the City of Bacău
Hilo will be scaling down its IRIS delivery boxes onto rental e-bikes in Romania’s City of Bacău to encourage seniors to take up cycling.
Seniors make up 35% of Bacău’s population and can be limited by traditional transportation options which can be physically and financially challenging.
As part of the EIT Urban Mobility Raptor competition, Bacău has appointed Hilo to pilot its IRIS-equipped boxes on rental e-bikes which give elderly riders storage for personal belongings. The purpose of the pilot is to build a stronger bike culture in the city and encourage seniors to use bikes who may not possess the skills, confidence or motivation.
“The IRIS-equipped boxes in Bacău will play a crucial role in enhancing the safety and confidence of older cyclists,” James said.
“By improving visibility and reducing hazards, this technology encourages older adults to adopt cycling, helping to reduce social isolation and improve their quality of life. This pilot could set a new safety standard for micromobility solutions that cater specifically to the needs of older adults.”
