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Smart mobility: smart infrastructures the real challenge for connected vehicles
Dino Collazzo
Not just communication between vehicles but also between them and the surrounding world. Wi-Fi networks accessible on the roads, 5G technologies, smart road signs and traffic lights are all elements that will enable the digital transformation of mobility. The first step of this change will be operational as of 2019. But where do we stand at the moment?
Smart vehicles alone would hardly be sufficient to create a smart mobility system. Infrastructures capable of interacting with connected and autonomous vehicles are also needed. Integrating a digital dimension with the current road system means transform existing structures into dynamic objects providing them with innovative sensors and systems. Wi-Fi networks accessible on the roads, 5G technologies, smart road signs and traffic lights are all elements that will facilitate communication between smart vehicles and the surrounding infrastructures. This idea of a complete digital transformation is, in fact, already yielding its “first fruits” thanks to our smartphones, the objects on which automotive and hi-tech companies are focusing their efforts aiming to improve on-board services and communication. Drivers, in fact, are already able to supply detailed and personalized information in real time to better manage their travelling plans ( i.e. alternative routes, possible dangers or gas stations in the area).
Nevertheless, if the objective is to guarantee swift and sustainable trips so as to decongest our cities, hefty investments in innovative projects are sorely needed. And in this case, in addition to the automotive industry and the many ICT startups active in this business, other important player come into the picture: public institutions. National governments are responsible for rethinking the whole road traffic system, the rail network as well as maritime and air transport. By pulling the right investment levers they must provide the necessary input to upgrade the infrastructures with a high level of digitalization. Even the European Commission has been following this path for some time now. Last year, in fact, the Commission approved the creation of a “Cooperative Intelligent Transport System”. This is the first stage of a journey towards a cooperative, connected and automated mobility (C-ITS: being the European strategy on Cooperative Intelligent Transport systems). The intention of the European Union is to create an intelligent and secure infrastructure network, and in order to do so, the option chosen was to focus on connectivity (Internet of things and communication via 5G network) and cooperation between manufacturers, in order to guarantee the widespread diffusion of C-its systems, confirm the free movement between Member States, avoiding market fragmentation due to different standards and create synergies between different initiatives. A mobility model involving people and goods (similar to the Ten-T intermodal corridors). All this to ensure the interoperability of the systems at all levels: infrastructure, data, services, applications and networks. Starting in 2018 the first C-its development regulations will be introduced, beginning with privacy guidelines, and in 2019 the entire system should be ready for the go ahead.
In this scenario, Italy has recently launched a program for the technological upgrading of its road system. A necessary investment if one wishes to upgrade a network that, as a whole, is now outdated. Out of 6,844 km of motorways the first 436 were built between 1924 and 1935, while the remainder date back to the 1960s and 70s. Only 10% have been built in the last 25 years. The suburban network is even older (19,894 km) and predates, in most cases, motorways (less than 13% of it is under 25 years old). The need for a physical and technological upgrade is therefore fundamental in order to ensure, as a first step, greater road safety. The use of digital innovations is also a decisive factor in the country's intelligent and sustainable economic growth. Bridging the current digital divide between the different road networks would create a technological ecosystem conducive to the development of different industrial sectors.
Nevertheless, if the objective is to guarantee swift and sustainable trips so as to decongest our cities, hefty investments in innovative projects are sorely needed. And in this case, in addition to the automotive industry and the many ICT startups active in this business, other important player come into the picture: public institutions. National governments are responsible for rethinking the whole road traffic system, the rail network as well as maritime and air transport. By pulling the right investment levers they must provide the necessary input to upgrade the infrastructures with a high level of digitalization. Even the European Commission has been following this path for some time now. Last year, in fact, the Commission approved the creation of a “Cooperative Intelligent Transport System”. This is the first stage of a journey towards a cooperative, connected and automated mobility (C-ITS: being the European strategy on Cooperative Intelligent Transport systems). The intention of the European Union is to create an intelligent and secure infrastructure network, and in order to do so, the option chosen was to focus on connectivity (Internet of things and communication via 5G network) and cooperation between manufacturers, in order to guarantee the widespread diffusion of C-its systems, confirm the free movement between Member States, avoiding market fragmentation due to different standards and create synergies between different initiatives. A mobility model involving people and goods (similar to the Ten-T intermodal corridors). All this to ensure the interoperability of the systems at all levels: infrastructure, data, services, applications and networks. Starting in 2018 the first C-its development regulations will be introduced, beginning with privacy guidelines, and in 2019 the entire system should be ready for the go ahead.
In this scenario, Italy has recently launched a program for the technological upgrading of its road system. A necessary investment if one wishes to upgrade a network that, as a whole, is now outdated. Out of 6,844 km of motorways the first 436 were built between 1924 and 1935, while the remainder date back to the 1960s and 70s. Only 10% have been built in the last 25 years. The suburban network is even older (19,894 km) and predates, in most cases, motorways (less than 13% of it is under 25 years old). The need for a physical and technological upgrade is therefore fundamental in order to ensure, as a first step, greater road safety. The use of digital innovations is also a decisive factor in the country's intelligent and sustainable economic growth. Bridging the current digital divide between the different road networks would create a technological ecosystem conducive to the development of different industrial sectors.
