Ride-sharing services have revolutionized the way people move around. Ride-sharing companies are now a regular part of many people’s lives. The idea is that you get into an app on your phone and use it to order a ride when you need one.
How does this happen? This expertise has come largely thanks to advances in mapping which can help drivers find each other and track the progress of cars on their way to pick up passengers. But what kind of technology allows these ride-sharing services to run and exist?
The Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things (IoT) is the network of physical devices connected to a centralized computer. It is a network of objects that contain embedded technology, such as microcontrollers, sensors, and signal processors, to interchange information among these objects.
Through IoT, ride-sharing companies can track their drivers and cars in real-time, store the data on the cloud, and even give passengers an estimate of how long it will take for a car to get to them based on real-time traffic conditions. In many respects, IoT is even more important for ride-sharing companies than for other types of businesses because the whole idea is that customers can easily connect with a service via an app.
Additionally, the GPS technology installed in cars used by ride-sharing companies is extremely precise. The GPS technology can even be updated in real-time because it’s connected to the cloud via the internet. With this technology, a driver will know if traffic has gotten worse or if there has been an accident on a specific route. As a result, the driver can alter their route in real time. This can significantly save time and provide a more efficient service to customers. Customers can expect their rides to arrive after a short time without delays.
When it comes to improving vehicle maintenance, IoT has proven to be a valuable tool for ride-sharing organizations. To minimize inconveniences such as a car breaking down during a trip, onboard diagnostic ports installed on cars and the software that interface with them make it easier for businesses to manage their fleet performance and identify any concerns quickly.
The stored data is also precious for ride-sharing companies. The stored data can help ride-sharing companies learn about their customers and make better decisions about how to develop their business models, products, and offerings effectively.
Although IoT technology has tremendously improved the transportation industry, accidents still occur. Sometimes it can be challenging to resolve accident cases, especially those that involve cars owned by ride-sharing companies. If you have endured any injury due to an accident caused by a car owned by a ride-sharing company, reach out to a rideshare accident attorney with incredible expertise in handling such cases.