TL;DR:
- Fort Mill-based EPIC IO harnesses artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance driver and pedestrian safety.
- Their AI systems monitor traffic patterns and provide valuable information for city administrators and emergency operations personnel during major events.
- EPIC IO aims to reduce pedestrian fatalities through its participation in the Vision Zero global campaign.
- The company’s technology is also utilized for traffic safety and organized retail crime prevention in various cities.
- EPIC IO prioritizes privacy and data security, ensuring that surveillance is conducted responsibly and anonymously.
Main AI News:
This Fort Mill-based enterprise harnesses the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to tackle the pressing issue of pedestrian fatalities. With AI revolutionizing various industries in the past decade, EPIC IO’s CEO, Ken Mills, recognizes its immense potential and the multitude of use cases it offers.
Mills explains that his company utilizes AI to enhance both driver and pedestrian safety. Recently, EPIC IO showcased the capabilities of its AI systems to the York County Emergency Management Department and local law enforcement agencies. During the Carowinds’ Fourth of July fireworks event, which attracted approximately 60,000 attendees, EPIC IO diligently monitored traffic patterns.
By employing solar-powered AI-enabled video monitoring trailers, Mills and his team observed the flow of vehicles around key intersections leading to Carowinds. This insightful analysis includes identifying unauthorized U-turns, near-miss incidents involving vehicles and pedestrians, and other critical data that often go unreported in police records. Such information proves invaluable for city administrators and emergency operations personnel, enabling them to efficiently allocate resources and respond effectively to large-scale events.
The alarming statistics from the Governor’s Highway Safety Association indicate an 18 percent surge in pedestrian fatalities, amounting to 519 additional lives lost, between the first half of 2019 and 2022. South Carolina, in particular, faces a pedestrian death rate 60 percent higher than the national average, as revealed by the U.S. Census and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
EPIC IO actively contributes to the Vision Zero global campaign, which strives to employ AI and curb pedestrian fatalities. Mills highlights the significance of understanding and predicting high-risk behaviors to effectively employ technologies like traffic light mediation, ultimately minimizing risk and working towards zero casualties.
Beyond the Carowinds event, EPIC IO’s technology finds applications in numerous cities, bolstering community traffic safety measures. The implementation of license plate recognition assists in identifying individuals involved in organized retail crimes, addressing a significant concern. This extended reach empowers law enforcement agencies to proactively respond to emerging situations.
While the notion of constant surveillance may evoke concerns about privacy and “Big Brother,” Mills assures that EPIC IO prioritizes the surveillance of public spaces and intersections in a manner that aligns with the expectations of law enforcement agencies and city administrators. The focus remains on collecting data securely and anonymously, ensuring that essential decision-making information is available while respecting individuals’ privacy rights.
Conclusion:
EPIC IO’s utilization of AI technology presents significant opportunities in the market. Their innovative approach to enhancing pedestrian safety and traffic management provides valuable insights for city administrators and law enforcement agencies. By addressing critical issues such as pedestrian fatalities and organized retail crime, EPIC IO establishes itself as a reliable partner in creating safer urban environments. Additionally, their commitment to privacy and responsible data collection positions them as a trusted solution provider. As the demand for intelligent traffic management solutions continues to grow, EPIC IO’s AI-driven approach places them at the forefront of the market, poised for further success and industry impact.
