Beep’s AI-Enabled Transportation Solutions: Connecting Communities and Extending Mobility Access to All
Intel Capital’s edition of the InTechnology podcast spotlights investors and leaders from the Intel Capital portfolio and their game-changing technologies. These conversations explore the key areas of technology Intel Capital invests in and the companies shaping the future of compute.
In the latest InTechnology episode, Intel and Intel Capital dive into the world of autonomous transportation with Beep, a leading provider of autonomous shared mobility solutions and part of the Intel Capital portfolio. Host Camille Morhardt and co-host Mark Rostick, VP and Senior Managing Director of Intel Capital, engage in a fascinating discussion with Joe Moye, CEO, and Kevin Reid, Cofounder and Chairman of the Board, at Beep.
Minimizing Microtransit Deserts
Beep is tackling a critical issue in our society: microtransit deserts. Beep’s mission is to extend mobility and accessibility to all citizens, particularly in the US market. They're doing so by deploying autonomous, shared, electric vehicles servicing both private and public communities. Beep specializes in planning, deploying, and managing advanced autonomous shuttles to safely connect people, places, and services in first- and last-mile mobility networks. Beep transforms the way in which people move by providing the intelligence which enables safe, stress-free, eco-friendly, driverless mobility, offering its customers turnkey mobility networks for scheduled and on-demand transportation services.
Beep’s Autonomous Mobility Solution
One might wonder why autonomous? Moye explains there's a significant shortage of drivers, which has led to a reduction in public transit services. Autonomous technologies are not about replacing jobs, but rather expanding and growing presently unavailable transportation and mobility services in various communities. Beep maintains a “human-in-the-loop” to ensure communication with passengers remains intact and monitor for safety and service continuity.
Beep's approach differs from robotaxis by operating in geo-fenced areas with managed routes and controlled speeds, which enhances performance and safety. The company is already deploying pilot projects, and Moye believes that controlled environments will see broader adoption and scaling of autonomous vehicles sooner than more complex scenarios.
Navigating Cybersecurity Concerns and Regulatory Hurdles
Cybersecurity is also a top priority for Beep. They adhere to ISO and SAE standards and have implemented many layers of protection to prevent external intrusion. They also have an independent auditor system to monitor vehicle location and behavior, with the ability to enact an emergency stop if necessary.
The regulatory environment is a complex landscape that Beep continues to navigate with diligence. Vehicles must meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), and states have varying regulations regarding autonomous vehicles. Beep's focus on larger vehicles for public transit is strategic, aiming to reduce congestion by minimizing the number of vehicles on the road while ensuring safety and compliance with regulations.
Community Engagement and Support
Community engagement is paramount for the success of autonomous transportation. Beep has engaged in first responder training and public education to ensure everyone is comfortable and familiar with the new driverless technology. The company also hosts STEM initiatives from its headquarters in Orlando, across its nationwide pilot locations, to educate students on autonomous mobility networks, expose them to the future of transportation, and help develop the workforce of the future. Moye emphasizes that Beep is a technology company at heart, developing technology that enables and orchestrates mobility services while understanding the nuances of transportation service provision.
Leveraging AI for Good
The use of AI is integral to Beep's operations. They leverage AI models to predict and identify potential incidents, such as vegetation affecting the autonomous driving system. They also use AI for onboard safety, such as detecting health events or security threats, enabling their command centers to take appropriate action.
Beep's work is not just about technology; it's about societal impact. They aim to improve the quality of life for all communities by offering an alternative means of transportation, expanding safe access, and improving road safety. The company's roots are deeply personal, with a founding story connected to the desire to extend mobility access to all.
As autonomous transportation evolves, companies like Beep are at the forefront, blending technology with a deep understanding of public and private transit needs. Their work is positioned to transform how we move, making transportation safer, more accessible, and more efficient for all.
