The data collected from taxis and drivers will be processed using Intel’s IoT platform reference architecture
Accenture, together with Japanese insurance company Sompo Japan Nipponkoa and taxi firm Daiichi Kotsu Sangyo are collaborating to build a deep learning algorithm using the Intel IoT platform reference architecture to better understand individual driving habits and identify new ways to transform driver safety within Japan’s transportation industry.
According to Accenture, the deep learning algorithm could enable transportation companies to provide personalized safety instructions for drivers, helping reduce the number of accidents, inform the development of optimal driver rosters, and enhance training programs.
Under the terms of the agreement, Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Insurance will collect data from connected devices installed in Daiichi Kotsu Sangyo’s taxis. In addition to cameras capturing images and telemetry tools recording journey data, biometric information such as heart rates will be collected from taxi drivers through wearable devices.
The data will be processed anonymously using the Intel IoT platform reference architecture that includes Intel processor-based servers equipped with Intel’s Xeon processors, Intel gateway for data collection, and edge computing image processing technology. Accenture also said that the data will then be uploaded to the cloud for secure storage and analytics processing.
Accenture will use the input to develop an algorithm that will automatically assess the accident risk for each driver by collating and analyzing images, biometrics, and vehicle data indicating speed and driving behavior.
In an initial proof of concept experiment conducted in March 2017 that used data collected from 100 taxis and 100 drivers, the deep-learning algorithm created intelligence that identified signs of drivers’ drowsiness and near-miss accidents from their heart-rate changes and driving behavior.
“Rapid advances in IoT and autonomous driving technologies are bringing new challenges that can only be addressed by using new technologies such as this deep learning algorithm,” Takuya Kudo, data science center of excellence global lead and Japan lead for Accenture Analytics, said.
