In this episode of ITWeb TV, Netstar MD Warren Munde talks about how the company uses artificial intelligence to recover stolen vehicles and how it is leveraging the vast amount of data collected by its Altron subsidiary. #Netstar #Fleet Telematics #AI
Artificial intelligence ([–>AI) has become one of the most powerful weapons in the fight against vehicles.[–>theft.
This is according to newly appointed Netstar managing director Warren Munde, who says the Altron-owned company is increasingly using AI to analyze billions of data points, predict criminal activity and improve recovery rates.
In an interview with ITWeb TV, Mande, who took over as managing director in April, outlined a strategy to reposition Netstar, which was primarily known as a stolen vehicle recovery company, into what he calls an “intelligent mobility platform.” This combines AI, big data, and human expertise to improve safety for drivers, businesses, and fleet operators.
This strategy is supported by Altron’s recently established AI factory, which will enable Netstar to process vast amounts of telematics data in near real-time.
“We collect more than 180 billion data points every month and track 60 billion kilometers every year,” Mande said.
“All the data that comes into our platform gives us real insight into what’s going on. Traditionally, that might have been traffic flow and hotspot analysis, but what we’re going to do going forward with this is to help businesses predict what they need in their vehicles to improve business outcomes, and to help consumers get real-time intelligence that improves safety.”
He revealed that AI capabilities are proving particularly valuable in combating increasingly sophisticated vehicle theft syndicates.
“Unfortunately, crime is on the rise,” Mande said. “We put a lot of effort into finding alternative ways to deal with vehicles being stolen. We aim to be known as the company with the best recovery rate in South Africa.”
Warren Munde, Managing Director, Altron; (Photo by Leslie Moyo)
Mande declined to reveal specific technology that could alert criminals, but said Netstar is combining new tracking hardware, AI-driven analytics and operational improvements to stay ahead of organized crime.
“We’re using new types of technology to combat these criminal organizations. We’re looking at our response practices and partners, and we’re combining all of that with AI and data to get better results.”
A key differentiator is Altron’s AI Factory, a South African-based AI infrastructure platform built around Nvidia GPU technology, Mande said.
“Having Altron’s in-house AI factory is a huge advantage that helps us serve our customers better. Some of our competitors are talking about it too, and we’re already there.”
One of the company’s most visible AI deployments is Intelligent Fleet Bureau, where AI continuously analyzes live video feeds and telematics information before escalating potential risks to trained operators.
“Humans work with AI to process large-scale alerts, video feeds, and anything that might be relevant. AI processes all the data input and surfaces risk events. Our agents then process those risk events.”
Mande said the technology is already helping commercial fleet operators reduce accidents.
“When large trucks with heavy loads are on the road, drivers can become distracted or fatigued. The AI in our cameras uses facial recognition to determine if there are signs of fatigue or distraction. It alerts the agent, who can then speak directly to the driver through the camera.”
He pointed out that operators can intervene before an accident occurs. “We can tell the driver there is a gas station a kilometer away and they should pull over. What we believe is very important is the convergence of technology, AI and humans in the loop.”
Intelligent Fleet Bureau has become a competitive advantage, Mande added.
Beyond recovery efforts, Netstar is increasingly leveraging AI to extract intelligence from data, rather than simply storing it.
The company works with insurance companies, government agencies, and private organizations to use anonymized data to identify trends, optimize transportation planning, and improve risk modeling.
“We will never sell people’s data,” Mande stressed. “What we’re doing is anonymizing data. It’s a valuable insight. Insurance companies want to understand claims patterns. Urban planners want to understand traffic volumes. Car manufacturers want to know what types of vehicles are passing by their dealerships at a given time. These insights can be valuable.”
Mande says its 30-year operating history also makes it a competitive asset.
“We have 30 years of data and more customers join our platform every year. The more data we have, the better insights we have and the more predictive power we have.”
While AI is playing an increasingly central role, Mande argues that it will complement humans rather than replace them.
“I don’t think AI will completely replace humans. I think it’s a great tool to help people do more and do better.”
The company is training executives on AI tools and continues to identify new business applications, he said.
“We’re always looking for new use cases. We’re deploying AI to enhance our operations, but when it comes to collections and fleet management, it’s important to help our clients solve very specific problems.”
Innovation extends beyond cars, he revealed. Netstar’s existing key fobs include an emergency panic button that allows users within 10 to 15 meters of the vehicle to silently alert the company’s control room if they feel in danger.
“If you’re approaching your car and see something suspicious, press the panic button and an alert will be sent back to the control room,” Mande said.
The company also developed an early warning system that alerts Netstar if a vehicle is moved without the owner’s electronic key fob nearby, allowing recovery teams to respond before the owner realizes the vehicle has been stolen.
“It’s about going from being hyper-sensitive to knowing in the moment that you need us.”
Netstar is also preparing to expand its consumer services to include personal and pet tracking.
Mande said the company is already trialling a pet tracking device, but won’t launch it until it’s fully integrated into Netstar’s ecosystem.
“We have trackers, but they’re taking time. We want to make sure they’re integrated into our apps and give our customers the experience they expect.”
This approach builds on an increasingly engaged digital customer base.
“Our app has around 400,000 downloads and more than 60% of our customers use it every month,” Mande said.
Netstar’s long-term vision is to evolve into a platform that provides much more protection for vehicles. “While we have always excelled in recovering and tracking stolen vehicles, we want to expand beyond vehicles to include people, pets, property and goods.”
