Enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing vehicle maintenance and downtime costs, using real-time data from vehicle sensors (IoT) and a machine learning algorithm for big data analysis.

Project Information

Jam

Grant agreement ID: 720115

DOI

10.3030/720115

Project closed

EC signature date 12 February 2016

Start date 1 February 2016

End date 31 May 2016

Funded under

• SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Smart, Green And Integrated Transport

Total cost

€ 71 429,00

EU contribution

€ 50 000,00

Coordinated by

STRA, SA
Portugal

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Jam (Enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing vehicle maintenance and downtime costs, using real-time data from vehicle sensors (IoT) and a machine learning algorithm for big data analysis.)

Reporting period: 2016-02-01 to 2016-05-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Through the feasibility study executed under this action, it was intended to:
- Implement 2 pilots and demonstrate the system at pre-commercial scale;
- Engage new strategic partners;
- Refine the business model and product features for full scale launch;
- Create 4 direct jobs.
The project comprised six different tasks: a legal and operational validation, a market study and usability/user engagement study, project development (project technical feasibility), the expansion of the partners’ network (commercialisation feasibility), the project management and a business plan.
The results obtained with the feasibility study validated JAM as a viable business, and pointed out modifications and refinements required for the product in order to reach its full potential. The main outcome is a strategy plan for JAM to reach and disrupt its target markets.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

JAM and its business model were presented and discussed with several potential customers and project stakeholders comprising the value chain. A market study was performed, resulting in refined customer segmentation, selection of the target markets and redefinition of the go-to-market strategy. Experimentation and validation of the product was also performed in operational conditions. The value proposition was validated through the pilot tests run with potential customers, resulting in two case studies that will support the project’s market uptake and commercialisation strategy. The network of partners was expanded, an advisory board created and the internal and external value chains were detailed and analysed. During this process key partnerships were established to support the commercialisation strategy. The management structure, necessary resources and project methodology were also determined, resulting in an elaborated business plan, strategic for both the development of a successful commercialization and communication strategy but also to attract new investors.
The available coaching opportunity under SME Instrument Phase 1 provided the necessary professional support for the project to develop its innovation management strategy including the IP management strategy, validating both freedom to operate and legal and operational requirements. It was validated that there are no third parties’ rights that could be an obstacle to successful commercialisation and during the project one patent was filed. The business coaching and mentorship activities allowed the identification of opportunities to extend the registered IP across target markets, and to fill further patents for IP generated by the project, after assessing its commercial relevance, preventing the abuse of JAM innovations by competitors and third parties.
Other legal and regulatory issues were studied during the feasibility study, namely the CE mark needed for commercialization of JAM’s system, EOBD and OBD-II standards, and data protection legislation. All the action required for the alignment with the directives and standards imposed are in place to ensure that JAM is able for market entrance.
The results of the feasibility study validated JAM as a viable business, and pointed out the modifications and refinements required for the product to reach its full potential.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The engagement with potential customers and key partners of the value chain provided the basis for the technical and commercial feasibility of the project. During field experimentation it was validated that the progress already achieved by the project beyond the state of the art is interesting for potential customers, as it was attested that demand exists in the market for JAM.
JAM proved the disruptive solution it introduces in the market for predictive maintenance and mechanical optimization of fleets is superior compared with competing products in the fleet management and the vehicle aftermarket sectors. JAM’s IPR were secured through the patent filed providing the right to prevent competitors or third parties to make or use JAM technical features claimed as inventions without authorization, namely through a license agreement.
The project main goal is to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce vehicle maintenance and downtime costs, through real-time data usage from vehicle sensors (IoT). The application of Artificial Intelligence for the aforementioned process represents a breakthrough, contributing to an increased efficiency in business fleets, reducing operational costs and increasing the productivity of companies delivering products and services.
JAM addresses the European Commission Transport challenges allowing an efficient transport that respects the environment. In 2011, the European Commission launched two white papers “A Roadmap for moving to a competitive low carbon economy in 2050” and “Roadmap to a Single European Transport Area – Towards a competitive and resource efficient transport system”. The first one’s main goal is to define how the European Transport Area could be prepared for the future and it is aligned with JAM’s mission, mainly in the statement that “new technologies for vehicles and traffic management will be key to lower transport emissions in the EU as in the rest of the world” by “improving the energy efficiency performance of vehicles across” and “using transport and infrastructure more efficiently through use of improved traffic management and information systems”. The second communication sets out key elements to shape the EU's climate actions helping the EU to become a competitive low carbon economy. Together with the White Paper on Transport and the Energy Efficiency Plan, this Communication is a key deliverable under the Resource Efficiency Flagship.
JAM addresses European Commission Transport and Energy Efficiency challenges allowing an efficient transport that respects the environment and contributes to sustainable mobility management and energy efficiency, leading to the reduction of fuel consumption and pollutant emissions and boosting the competitiveness of the European transport industry.

Jam prototype