Obvio’s stop sign cameras use AI to root out unsafe drivers

In the United States, pedestrian safety on the roads has become a pressing concern. A startup based in San Carlos, California, named Obvio, aims to address this issue by deploying cameras at stop signs, promising a solution that avoids the pitfalls of invasive surveillance. Founders Ali Rehan and Dhruv Maheshwari believe it is possible to establish a successful business model while adhering to ethical standards. Their design incorporates stringent limitations on surveillance and data sharing to uphold these principles. Recently, the company secured $22 million in Series A funding, led by Bain Capital Ventures, which will facilitate its expansion beyond the initial five cities in Maryland where it currently operates. Rehan and Maheshwari crossed paths while working at Motive, a company specializing in dashboard cameras for the trucking sector. They were shocked to discover the alarming state of driver behavior among regular passenger vehicles. The duo found that U.S. roadways and crosswalks were becoming increasingly perilous for pedestrians, while enforcement of traffic laws lagged behind other nations. "Many countries have implemented speed camera technology and foster a culture of driving safety, making the U.S. one of the worst performers among developed nations," Maheshwari remarked. Eager to understand road safety better, the founders delved into literature and attended conferences, identifying three main strategies in the industry: education, engineering, and enforcement. However, they noticed a disconnect among these approaches. Quantifying the effects of educational initiatives proved challenging, while local efforts to enhance intersection safety could take years and substantial funding. Law enforcement also faced limitations, unable to monitor every stop sign effectively. This prompted Rehan and Maheshwari to innovate a solution that harmonizes these approaches. Their creation—a brightly colored pylon topped with a solar-powered camera—can be installed at most intersections. The design is intentionally conspicuous, serving both educational and awareness purposes. Equipped with on-device AI, the system identifies serious traffic violations, including speeding and unsafe lane changes. When an infraction occurs, the camera matches the vehicle's license plate with the state's DMV database. Each violation is verified by Obvio staff or contractors before being forwarded to law enforcement, which reviews the evidence prior to issuing citations. Obvio provides this technology to municipalities at no cost, earning revenue through the fines collected from citations. The distribution of this revenue between Obvio and local governments varies by state, creating potential incentives for increased citations. Nevertheless, Rehan and Maheshwari assert that their mission is to target serious offenses across numerous American cities while remaining engaged with the communities they serve. "Automated enforcement should work alongside community advocacy, not just serve as a tool for revenue generation," Maheshwari emphasized. Their aim is to utilize the cameras to deter reckless driving and foster community support and behavioral change. Trust is paramount; Maheshwari insists that cities and their residents must feel confident in Obvio's technology. Additionally, the design of their cameras mitigates the risk of becoming an unchecked surveillance mechanism. Footage is recorded and processed locally, with data transmitted only when a violation is detected. Other recordings are deleted after 12 hours, and municipalities retain ownership and access to the footage. This commitment to responsible technology is what attracted investor Ajay Agarwal from Bain Capital Ventures. He believes that, while short-term profits can be tempting, compromising core values may hinder long-term success and acceptance. "Exceptional founders are often willing to forego certain profit avenues in pursuit of their overarching mission," Agarwal stated.