Vehicle to vehicle communication, including warnings about hazards or pedestrians a driver cannot even see, is the next phase of automotive technology just around the corner.
With real-life demonstrations in Sydney this week of the newest vehicular technologies, Lexus vehicles is highlighting advanced warning systems that extend the limit of current line-of-sight systems.
Demonstrations showed advanced infrastructure-to-vehicle communication where it can warn drivers of unsighted pedestrians approaching from around a corner.
Vehicle-to-vehicle communications were demonstrated via awareness messages warning drivers of an unsighted vehicle approaching from a perpendicular direction.
Intelligent Transport Systems
The demonstrations were part of the Intelligent Transport System (ITS) Australia Summit 2024 that brought together more than 800 delegates from government, industry, and research organisations.
Lexus provided three of their latest vehicles for the demonstrations, including two of their RZ 450e BEVs and one RX 500h F Sport Performance.
These vehicles, fitted with the advanced prototype Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems, (C-ITS) presented over 150 demonstrations at the summit.
The technology can warn drivers of accidents ahead of time, as well as unsighted road works, traffic congestion, and pending changes to speed limits.
The communication strategies between vehicles and infrastructure is through Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC), with drivers in the specially fitted Lexus vehicles warned by visual and audible alerts.
Better safety outcomes
Lexus Australia Chief Executive John Pappas says their work with ITS was aimed at the goal of zero road deaths,
“Intelligent perception technology can also improve traffic flow which reduces fuel consumption and therefore harmful CO2 tailpipe emissions,” Pappas says.
“We will continue to work closely with all government, industry and technology stakeholders to demonstrate how perception technology can enhance social, environmental and economic well-being for all Australian road users.”