Grundon Waste Management has committed to investing £750,000 in AI technology over three years to improve driver safety.
Grundon is investing in Samsara’s Connected Operations Platform, which will roll out a new AI-led driver safety programme across its commercial fleet of over 300 vehicles. The investment follows on from two successful trials at two of Grundon’s depots.
Over six months, the waste management company said two Samsara trials showed a 71% reduction in detected events and also demonstrated increased fuel efficiencies as drivers were encouraged to optimise fuel efficiency and minimise idling.
Once in place fleet-wide, Grundon expects the measures to reduce fuel costs by around £220,000 per year.
Commenting on the investment, Chris Double, Grundon’s Regional Operations Manager, said: “During the trials and training period, the Samsara Samsara’s Dual-Facing AI Dash Cams received very positive feedback from our drivers, who were both enthusiastic and engaged with the whole process.
“It’s also important to note that having this technology also helps us acknowledge and reward good performance. For instance, if a driver has to take sudden avoiding action due to someone unexpectedly stepping into the road, then we can shine a light on their efforts which otherwise would have gone unnoticed.”
It’s also important to note that having this technology also helps us acknowledge and reward good performance.
The technology includes Samsara’s Dual-Facing AI Dash Cams, which Grundon said provides instant feedback to drivers via AI-led in-cab audio alerts that enable them to make corrections in real time.
The dash cams are designed to help drivers improve safe driving habits and encourage good behaviour, such as braking sharply or driving too close to the vehicle in front.
Other technology includes cameras situated at the base of the windscreen that monitor driver activity and capture high-definition footage. Grundon said the cameras connect to the vehicle’s existing 360-degree cameras, there are up to 10 cameras per vehicle.
Drivers can also download the Samsara App, enabling them to monitor their own behaviour using a points-based system, Grundon said.
Philip van der Wilt, SVP and General Manager EMEA at Samsara commented: “Our Connected Operations Platform allows essential physical operation businesses like Grundon to have a single view of their critical operational data and manage their entire fleet with real-time data-driven decisions.
“The measurable impact of Samsara’s technology in Grundon’s six-month trial is a testament to our focus on innovation and safety. We look forward to working with Grundon for many years to help them continue innovating in their industry.”
