Mapless

Mapless AI, a mobility company founded in 2020 with dual headquarters in Pittsburgh and Boston, is developing teleoperations technology for vehicle fleets.

The company was co-founded by CEO Philipp Robbel and CTO Jeffrey Kane Johnson. Both founders are specialists in autonomous vehicle safety engineering, with prior experience leading teams at prominent technology firms like Uber, Apple, Aptiv, and Bosch. Robbel holds a PhD in Robotics from MIT, beginning his career as a Research Engineer, while Johnson is noted as the local co-founder in Pittsburgh.

Mapless AI's core business revolves around a retrofittable hardware and software platform that enables remote human operators to control fleet vehicles from a distance. This system is designed for existing vehicle fleets and can be installed and uninstalled without causing cosmetic damage. The company's business model targets both B2B and B2C markets, utilizing a combination of SaaS and commission-based revenue streams. A key service offering is "Dispatch-as-a-Service," where clients can use Mapless's trained remote operators on-demand. The company also provides full insurance coverage during remote operations.

The technology features low-latency connectivity to allow for precise maneuvering in complex scenarios. A central element of the product is its proprietary, patent-pending safety system, which is designed to be fail-operational. This system functions independently of network connectivity, ensuring the vehicle can safely decelerate to a stop if the connection to the remote operator is lost. The primary focus for vehicle integration is on hybrid and electric vehicles.

Mapless AI has engaged in several pilot programs to test its technology in real-world environments. One such pilot, in partnership with the xBridge innovation program, took place at Pittsburgh International Airport, demonstrating a "car-hailing" service. Another significant partnership is with Aero Corporation, a large Avis and Budget franchisee, to pilot tele-operations for their rental fleet, with an initial focus on electric vehicles. The company has also been part of the MassRobotics Accelerator, which provides funding and mentorship to robotics startups. As of early 2024, Mapless AI had raised $3.1M in funding from investors including MassRobotics, AlleyCorp, and E14 Fund.

Keywords: remote vehicle operations, teleoperations, fleet management, autonomous vehicles, driverless technology, remote driving, Dispatch-as-a-Service, vehicle retrofitting, automotive technology, mobility services, low-latency connectivity, fail-safe systems, car rental teleoperation, airport mobility, EV fleet logistics, vehicle safety systems, human-in-the-loop, remote assistance, carsharing, transportation network