Hyundai Motor Group is rolling out a pilot program in Singapore, and it’s all about giving a helping hand to those with visual impairments.
Hyundai is teaming up with SG Enable and the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH) for this initiative.
What’s it all about, you ask? Well, it’s the second phase of Hyundai’s Universal Mobility Project, and it’s all about making smart mobility solutions accessible to everyone.
The first phase kicked off in sunny Los Angeles back in 2021, where they were all about improving transportation for folks with mobility challenges. They used wheelchair-accessible Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride SUVs to make that happen.
Now, here in Singapore, they’re taking things up a notch. This project is not just about getting from point A to B; it’s about creating a seamless mobility experience for everyone, from the moment you plan your journey to when you step out of the vehicle.
Hyeyoung Kim, Vice President and Head of Smart City Innovation Group at Hyundai Motor Group, puts it beautifully, “To realize a smart city where every citizen can enjoy the freedom of mobility, it is necessary to develop an end-to-end mobility solution that supports the entire movement process, from pre-boarding to post-boarding of a vehicle.”
Now, the real heartwarming part is the collaboration with SG Enable. They’ve been catalysts for social innovation at their Enabling Village, like having Singapore’s first inclusive preschool and gym. They’re teaming up with Hyundai to bring this assistive mobility solution to life. The goal is not just to improve accessibility but to drive social innovation in navigation. It’s all about helping folks with visual impairments live more independently and have better access to opportunities.
Ron Loh, Assistant Chief Executive at SG Enable, sums it up perfectly, “We hope this assistive mobility solution will not only improve the accessibility of persons with disabilities but also further drive social innovations in navigation so they can live more independently and better access opportunities to learn, work, and play in an inclusive society.”
Now, here’s the tech bit. Hyundai is partnering with some innovative startups to make this happen. They’re using hardware-free positioning and obstacle monitoring with computer vision. Mapxus is providing an indoor navigation solution using Wi-Fi-fingerprinting technology, and Ailytics is offering a CCTV video analysis solution using computer vision technology.
It’s all about creating a seamless, obstacle-free experience for those who need it the most.
The pilot program will take place at the Enabling Village, a place dedicated to integrating persons with disabilities. Over ten weeks, participants with visual impairments will test the navigation solution and provide feedback to make it even better.
And here’s the kicker – the general version of this mobility solution will be open for public use. All you need to do is scan a QR code, and you’re good to go.
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