SenSen Networks Ltd (ASX:SNS, OTCQB:SNNSF) has welcomed Brisbane City Council (BCC) as the first customer to sign up for its new Environment Mapping Technology (EMT) which allows users to accurately determine GPS positions of vehicles in built-up areas such as cities.
In the past, cities like Brisbane were unable to use SenSen’s mobile enforcement vehicles (SenFORCE) in all parts of the city due to problems with GPS stemming from urban canyoning.
Working together, SenSen and Brisbane City Council were able to implement an AI-based solution to urban canyoning and successfully deploy seven SenFORCE vehicles equipped with EMT in the Brisbane CBD.
The core of the patent-pending solution from SenSen, named Environment Mapping Technology, enables vehicles to “see” a streetscape and know their location by comparing their proximity to landmarks and an AI model of the CBD.
Urban canyoning
The solution is modelled on how the human brain navigates the world by visually surveying the surrounding areas for familiar items that provide context to understand location.
This unique technology has been developed by SenSen over the past two years at a cost of around $1 million including the lodgement of an international patent.
It has led to SenSen and Brisbane City Council winning the 2021 National Parking Awards "Excellence in Technology and Innovation – On Street" Award which will help market the SenFORCE solution to other cities around the world.
Currently, the City of Chicago is trailing the technology and has plans to roll it out into production in calendar 2022.
“Our IP Vault now has more than 80 entries”
For SenSen CEO Subhash Challa, the triumph of Environment Mapping Technology comes on the back of a life-long commitment to Sensor AI, data fusion and improving life in urban areas.
Dr Challa said: “At SenSen, we haven’t stopped innovating throughout the pandemic and our IP Vault now has more than 80 entries making up 14 different patent families.
“Each of our ‘patent families’ corresponds to a set of related registered patents or pending patent applications.
“These have been filed in the most important jurisdictions where we believe an invention built around a patent family will be commercialised.
“These patents provide SenSen with a competitive advantage and leverage when penetrating new markets with innovative products, or in entering into licensing and cross-licensing negotiations with commercial partners.
“SenSen will continue to pursue patent protection in key markets as we undertake significant R&D activities.
“We are assisted in protecting our Patent Portfolio by leading Australia IP firm, FB Rice.”