Australian Startup Develops Technology to Make Cars Smarter

An Australian startup based in Sydney called iungo has developed what it claims is a ‘fitness tracker’ for cars. The tracker allows motorists to analyze data from their car computer so that they can easily manage all car related services, mechanics and insurers.

The tracker is essentially an internet of things (IoT) based data platform. The platform uses algorithms and cloud computing to collect, analyze and report on vehicle operating data which is also known as ‘Connected Car Services’.

The company’s CEO, Roy Cooke, said that the technology helps drivers to leverage the data collected by their onboard computers for applications in daily life.

He said iungo’s technology connects car computers to the cloud. This makes it possible for the data to be used in real time to provide services which range from smarter roadside assistance, remote diagnosis of any issues that the vehicle might have and for usage based insurance. The data can also be leveraged to improve driver performance so that fuel usage is more efficient, the roads are safer and there are leass emissions.

iungo developed the technology with help of a USD 55,000 grant from the Jobs for NSW, which is backed by the government of New South Wales. Currently, inugo is operating out of the Stone and Chalk fintech incubator at the Sydney Startup Hub.

iungo later on plans to further develop its digital driving assistant to provide more services like diagnoses of early signs of an impending breakdown and suggestions of repair measures that can be taken, provision of data regarding driving history data so that motorists can save money on insurance quotes as well as advice regarding parking spots, traffic alerts, parking spots, and alerts to emergency services in the event of an accident.

iungo conducted a pilot project using the grant and has now secured an investment partnership with Pickles Ventures.

Cooke said that iungo has set itself the ambitious goal of becoming Australia’s leading connected car platform.