Bird VPS- Bird's new augmented reality-based parking technology.
Bird VPS uses Google 3D scanning, augmented reality technology, and Google maps street data to geo-localise scooters.
California-based electric mobility company Bird launched its new parking technology: Bird Visual Parking System (Bird VPS).
It is a new parking tool powered by Google’s ARCore Geospatial API.
Using this technology, Bird riders can park their vehicle more precisely and keep the walkways free of obstruction.
This new technology uses Google 3D scanning, augmented reality technology, and Google maps street data to help Bird geo-localise scooters accurately.
How Bird VPS works?
Risers can use the Bird VPS in three easy steps:
- Scan: After ending the ride, the rider has to scan the surrounding area using the smartphone camera.
- Analyze: Using Google’s new ARCore Geospatial API, Bird instantaneously compares the rider’s images to those in Google’s knowledge base of data and Street View images.
- Park: After analyzing, Bird VPS will either allow the rider to park (if it complies with local city parking requirements) or prompt them to correct the vehicle’s parking before ending the ride.
It is free for Bird’s city partners. It is currently being piloted in New York City, San Francisco, and San Diego, with plans to expand to 400+ partner cities.
Official Statement
Justin Balthrop, Chief Technology Officer at Bird, said: The new ARCore Geospatial API from Google is an absolute game-changer for micromobility that allows us to offer cities a first-of-its-kind Visual Parking System that is unmatched in terms of accuracy and scalability. With BVPS, we are able to meet cities’ number one need, proper parking, in a way that is never been possible before, and we can do it at scale in cities around the world thanks to Google’s robust global data and technology.
