01-08-2025
Exclusive: How SenSen AI's solutions are revolutionising smart city management
SenSen AI, a technology company specialising in AI-driven solutions for smart city management, is making significant strides in improving urban spaces through innovative curbside management technologies.
Founded in 2007 as a spin-out from the University of Technology Sydney, SenSen AI was established by Professor Subhash Challa, who transitioned from academia to focus full-time on the company in 2012.
"I was a Professor of Computer Systems Engineering, and I saw a phenomenal opportunity to use data from cameras and sensors to improve business operations and safety," Challa explained.
SenSen AI has since evolved into a specialist in AI-based curbside management solutions, offering cutting-edge technology to city councils worldwide.
"We were in multiple markets before," Challa said, "but we narrowed our focus to becoming the king of the hill in the Smart City space."
The company's flagship solution leverages AI and multi-sensor fusion to manage curbside assets effectively.
"The humble footpath is not just a place to walk – it's a valuable asset that drives business activity," Challa explained. "Cafés use it, festivals happen on it, and it requires careful management. Our technology unlocks that value."
A key innovation from SenSen AI is its pole-mounted camera solution, designed to improve public safety, especially around schools. "We recently invented an amazing product that can be inserted into regulatory poles on the curbside," Challa explained. "It's solar-powered, connected to AI, and monitors activity around the pole, helping improve child safety in school zones."
This solution has already been adopted in parts of Queensland, Perth, and New South Wales. "The response has been fantastic," Challa said. "We've seen improvements in safety and traffic management in these areas."
SenSen AI's technology addresses a persistent challenge in urban environments known as the 'urban canyon effect.'
This issue causes GPS signals to become unreliable due to tall buildings obstructing satellite signals. "Our environmental mapping technology overcomes this," Challa said. "By using visual indicators such as landmarks, our technology can identify a vehicle's precise location with greater accuracy than GPS."
Challa highlighted key examples of the company's success, including a study conducted in New South Wales that demonstrated improved vehicle turnover, reduced accidents, and less congestion following the implementation of SenSen AI's technology. A similar solution was deployed in Las Vegas, where incidents of double parking decreased by 80 per cent after SenSen AI's system was installed.
"It's a huge shift," Challa said. "Our technology is changing the way cities manage their curbside spaces, ensuring more efficient use of these valuable public assets."
Discussing the rapid development of smart city solutions, Challa highlighted the combined impact of affordable technology, generative AI advancements, and streamlined deployment.
"With solar power, 4G connectivity, and plug-and-play installation, our solutions are scalable and cost-effective," he added.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated demand for dynamic curbside management.
"The rise of delivery services, ride-sharing, and flexible outdoor dining pushed cities to rethink their curbside management strategies," Challa said. "Dynamic signage, monitoring, and enforcement are now essential to managing this transformation effectively."
SenSen AI's innovative solutions have earned widespread adoption in cities such as Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Brisbane, Singapore, Las Vegas, and Chicago.
"Winning major contracts in these cities is a testament to our technology's unique capabilities," Challa said.
While SenSen AI has focused heavily on technology development, "partnerships have been key" to scaling their solutions.
"We work closely with channel partners who provide customer-focused services," Challa explained.
"These partners integrate our technology with their own offerings, whether they manage parking machines, install poles, or provide maintenance services."
Despite initial concerns from some partners that automation could threaten jobs, Challa stressed that SenSen AI's solutions are designed to complement existing roles.
"There's still an essential human element," he said. "Our technology improves efficiency but doesn't replace all traditional services."
Challa believes that shifting public perception about curbside value remains a challenge for many cities. "Most people don't see the footpath as an asset that can be monetised," he said. "But with rising demand for flexible curbside use, managing these spaces effectively has become crucial."
SenSen has maintained steady growth since going public in 2017, a pivotal moment that helped the company expand.
"When we listed, we had around $2 million in revenue," Challa said. "Last year, we hit $12 million, and we've achieved four consecutive quarters of positive cash flow."
Challa believes this is only the beginning. "We're crossing over from being a young company to becoming a well-established, profitable enterprise," he added. "Our breakthrough year is here."
With continued expansion and growing recognition for its innovative solutions, SenSen AI is poised to play a critical role in shaping smarter and safer cities worldwide. "Our focus is always on improving the quality of life for citizens," Challa said. "That's what drives us every day."
