Highway tech goes up a gear
The future of driving is a step closer to arriving in Melbourne with a world-first trial of advanced transport technology to take place in Carlton.
KIERAN ROONEY, Transport Reporter, Herald Sun
THE future of driving is a step closer to arriving in Melbourne with a world-first trial of advanced transport technology to take place in Carlton.
Researchers at Melbourne University have equipped the intersection of Drummond and Faraday streets with sensors that will communicate with cars, relay instructions and monitor safety conditions.
Wednesday’s test is the first step in developing the Australian Integrated Multimodal Ecosystem that would allow computers in cars, trams and traffic lights to solve traffic issues and intervene to prevent accidents — all without humans.
The technology enables an intersection to build a real-time picture of traffic issues.
“This is the largest test of this type we believe anywhere in the world,” Professor Majid Sarvi said.
“It is important work because as Melbourne’s population and congestion issues increase there is more conflict on the road network.
“We’re building up to a scenario where an intersection could know when there are dangerous conditions, such as wet weather or an accident, and tell cars approaching to lower their speed.”
The trial is running in conjunction with multiple partners from the private and public sector, including VicRoads, Cohda Wireless, Cisco and both state and federal governments.
“This technology enables an intersection to build a real-time picture of the environment and respond faster to impending high risk events on the roads,” Cisco general manager of energy and transportation Simon Young said.
“This initial trial will demonstrate real life use cases including speed management to alert a driver of excessive speed based on environmental conditions; intersection collision avoidance to alert a driver of an impending high risk situation; and vulnerable road user protection to alert a driver and pedestrian of an impending collision.”
Urban Infrastructure and Cities Minister Paul Fletcher said: “Programs and trials such as these will be paramount to realising the many benefits that connected infrastructure and automated vehicles offer,” he said.
“The AIMES test is taking place in an urban real-world environment which is important to help bring the community along and demonstrate how the technology will be incorporated into society.”
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