Welcome to the inaugural edition of Optipex’s Spotlight Series! In this edition, we sit down with Inmaculada Luengo, Head of the Research and Development department at HI-Iberia, to explore her organization’s role in the Optipex project.
Thank you for speaking with us today. Could you start by introducing yourself?
Hello, My name is Inmaculada Luengo, and I’m the Head of the Research and Development department at HI-Iberia. I’m a telecommunications engineer specializing in video analysis, and I’ve been involved in European R&D projects for over 18 years, working across various sectors.
HI-Iberia is a Spanish software development company based in Madrid. We specialize in artificial intelligence and advanced software solutions.
Can you tell us about your general experience with public transport in your city?
Public transport in Madrid still faces several challenges. The main issues include limited visual and audio announcements for people with visual or hearing impairments, complicated route information, and difficulties navigating the system.
Based on this, why is a project like OptiPEx necessary?
OptiPEx is essential because it helps us identify weaknesses in public transport and co-create technologically advanced solutions with input from users. This collaborative approach ensures that we improve the travel experience for all passengers.
What role does your organisation play in the OptiPEx project?
HI-Iberia is focused on enhancing the passenger experience and accessibility using advanced AI technologies. We are developing mobile applications that improve accessibility and working on upgrading the information system for the Zaragoza tram, making public transport more user-friendly.
What will a successful contribution to the project look like for your organization?
A successful contribution would mean making a significant impact on the project, which would increase our visibility and help us enter a new business sector. This success story would be relevant for us, showcasing our capabilities and enhancing our credibility in the market
What does your organization hope to achieve between now and month 18 of the project?
By the M18 milestone, we aim to have identified and defined the services and technologies we will develop, and to have a first prototype ready for validation in real-world environments.
Can you describe OptiPEx in three words?
Passenger-centered public transport.
