The University of the Philippines’ Alamat UP Team CO2 Emission Reduction Operation (CERO) driving app project has just been announced the global winner of the first-ever Shell Eco-Marathon: Pitch the Future for the Tracking and Reducing CO2 Emissions from Vehicles Challenge.
The UP College of Engineering-based Alamat UP Team CERO platform for users that can monitor fuel consumption and reduce it by implementing eco-driving best practices was announced as the global winner during the virtual awards ceremony held on December 11, 2020, (Philippine time).
The university-wide team of engineering, business, and accounting students from UP Diliman represented Asia/Middle East as the regional winner in the global finals against Canada’s University of Alberta EcoCar (Americas) and Turkey’s Alected (Europe) for the best idea in curbing CO2 emissions from vehicles.
The winning Alamat UP Team CERO project intends to track and reduce the CO2 emissions of passenger vehicles with a mobile app that leverages Microsoft Azure’s Machine Learning capabilities.
Among its features, the CERO app includes:
- Real-time eco-driving notifications
- Optimal route mapping capabilities
- After-trip analysis
- Fuel consumption wallet for budgeting
The winning team highlighted the uniqueness of its solution against similar products lies in that it only requires smartphone sensors and machine learning to operate effectively. The app can measure links between driving behavior and fuel consumption without the need for additional, costly sensors, as required by many competitor products.
Team CERO used Microsoft Azure’s Machine Learning services to deliver the accuracy of CERO that could be near that of these telematic applications, while the lack of reliance on external sensors makes CERO more suited for a range of vehicles.
The team has also added an incentive feature, encouraging drivers to practice eco-driving through the app by showing fuel savings, coupons, and promos that are available from partner organizations or sponsors.
“We hope that through CERO, we can further prove that Filipinos have the potential to not only improve the lives of our countrymen, but that of people around the world as well. Your Alamat UP family is proud of you!” earlier posted Alamat UP social media as it moved on to the global finals in late November.
Alamat UP again took to social media immediately after the announcement to express its gratitude to supporters who voted for the team.
“Finally, it’s official, #FromCEROtoHERO! This achievement is made possible by your all out support. Please accept our greatest thanks!”
The University of the Philippines has been at the forefront of innovative solutions that address environmental concerns such as the UP-NOAH for disaster management planning and the country’s first Filipino-made low-cost air quality monitor.
WATCH the awarding ceremony here and SEND CONGRATULATIONS in the comments below to the University of the Philippines Alamat UP Team CERO for winning the Global Shell Eco-Marathon!
Want to know how to be a Proud Pinoy? Like, Follow, Subscribe to GoodNewsPilipinas.com, and our socials Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Good News Pilipinas! TV on YouTube, for new good story notifications and e-mail newsletters for updates on more Filipino Pride stories
