Blue Bird Examines the Use of AI and Self-Driving Cars

The application of AI in the transportation sector is a necessity, especially for self-driving or without a driver. However, Indonesia is considered not ready in terms of infrastructure, regulations and driving behavior.

The following article was translated using both Microsoft Azure Open AI and Google Translation AI.

KOMPAS/TOTOK WIJAYANTO (TOK)

President Director of PT Blue Bird Tbk Adrianto Djokosoetono

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — The leading taxi company in Indonesia, PT Blue Bird TBK, examines the use of artificial intelligence (artificial intelligence/AI) and self-driving cars in operational services his. Its utilization still needs to consider the readiness of the infrastructure to the existing human resources. This makes improving customer service the most viable option.

A number of countries in the world, for example China, the United States and South Korea, have operated taxi services with autonomous vehicles (autonomous vehicles). Basically, AI has made it possible for vehicles to move on their own because they are equipped with a control system consisting of various sensors, such as computer vision and sensor fusion.

Technical and Maintenance Deputy Director of PT Blue Bird Tbk, Astu Rahino Adi, stated that they are currently studying and calculating the option of utilizing self-driving cars. This option is part of Blue Bird's long-term plan.

"The direction is already there. However, the consideration is the infrastructure and human resources available in Indonesia. These two things are not yet sufficient," he said after the Blue Bird Open House event in 2023, in Jakarta on Monday (24/7/2023)."

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"The most viable option, according to Astu, is the utilization of AI in several operational stages, such as speed limit restrictions and monitoring of pathways if the driver is sleepy. However, this also requires further study."

Until now, the automation that Blue Bird has implemented includes operational calculations per car, car maintenance records, and monitoring of vehicles in the taxi pool area. Currently, Blue Bird has 70 taxi pools consisting of 50 main pools and 20 satellite pools throughout Indonesia.

The behavior of drivers in Indonesia is still inadequate, especially as there are still many motorcyclists who do not obey the rules and go against traffic. This is very dangerous for self-driving cars.

"So, from Jakarta we can already monitor conditions in various regions. Starting from technicians to the percentage of cars that are in the garage, making it easier for the headquarters to make decisions," said Astu.

Separately, Deputy Chairman of Community Empowerment and Strengthening of Indonesian Transportation Society (MTI) Central Djoko Setijowarno stated that the use of self-driving cars is a necessity. This is considering that taxi companies need to survive and promote efficiency.

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In that context, he continued, Indonesia is still not ready in terms of infrastructure, regulations, and driving behavior. This condition creates vulnerability, for example accidents, which cannot yet be predicted by supporting AI.

"The behavior of drivers in Indonesia is not competent yet, especially now there are still many motorbikes that do not obey traffic rules and drive against the flow. This is very dangerous for non-motorized vehicles," explained Djoko."

RUNIK SRI ASTUTI

Minister of Education and Culture Nadiem Anwar Makarim while driving one of the i-car electric cars (intelligent car) resulting from ITS Surabaya innovation, Thursday (21/11/2021). This car can run without a driver.

Nevertheless, the main roads in several big cities in Indonesia are already deemed feasible for slow implementation. The use of AI can begin to limit the speed of taxis, monitor workers, and update applications.

Referring to The Automotive Disruption Radar survey in July 2021, 31 percent of respondents in Indonesia believe that fully self-driving vehicles can operate by 2030. In addition, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration predicts that the implementation of fully self-driving vehicles will begin in 2025 and beyond.

Also read: AI Technology Getting Closer to Everyday Life

Service strengthening

Rapid technological developments provide various mobility options for customers, including taxi modes of transportation. Therefore, updating the online taxi channel as a form of digital transformation also needs to be accompanied by strengthening customer service.

The President Director of PT Blue Bird Tbk, Adrianto Djokosoetono, explains that strengthening customer service can be achieved by creating a standard of comfort during travel. In this regard, they have brought forth three main pillars, namely fleet standardization, professional drivers, and service integration for customers.

During a visit to the taxi pool in Mampang Prapatan, Jakarta, Kompas and other journalists had the opportunity to see the stages that Blue Bird vehicles need to go through before operating. Operating taxis need to pass a physical inspection, vehicle wash, and engine maintenance.

During the physical inspection, the car is checked for roadworthiness in terms of both interior and exterior. At this stage, every taxi produces a receipt containing the operational results. The receipt includes income, distance and travel time, as well as customer complaints.

Also read: Impact of AI on Business in Indonesia

KOMPAS/TOTOK WIJAYANTO (TOK)

Blue Bird taxi drivers are recharging their electric taxis at the public electric vehicle charging station (SPKLU) located at the Blue Bird garage in Mampang, South Jakarta, on Monday (23/7/2023). Currently, Blue Bird operates 180 electric taxis.

"Each operating taxi is ensured to have a full tank of fuel. Therefore, there will be no need to refill the gas when transporting customers," said Adrianto.

After a physical examination, the car will be washed if necessary. Afterwards, drivers whose vehicles require regular maintenance will be directed to a workshop. In the workshop, the car will receive routine servicing, replacement of parts, and emissions testing.

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