Cars and Traffic Signals to Communicate at Smart City Setting

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In the not-to-distant future, cars and traffic signals will talk with one another through l ‘vehicle-to-everything’ (V2X) communications. An emerging crash avoidance system warns drivers about potentially dangerous situations based on communication between nearby vehicles and traffic infrastructure. Both the vehicles and the infrastructure will have communication units installed to transmit information.

FLIR Systems recently launched a thermal traffic sensor – FLIR ThermiCam V2X – for the emerging vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology market. The sensor will be a vital component in smart city and connected vehicle applications.

The V2X-enabled traffic sensor is designed for urban traffic that will enable vehicles and traffic infrastructure to communicate by sharing data. The entire system will advance safety and efficiency for motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists, according to nasdaq.com.

The ThermiCam also connects with existing city traffic systems and thus, city traffic planners can future-proof traffic infrastructure without needing to make major investments in retrofitting technology.

The FLIR ThermiCam V2X mounts on existing traffic signals and detects vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists at intersections using thermal imaging data. Using dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) technology, vehicles transmit real-time speed and direction data, while the ThermiCam V2X communicates the presence of pedestrians and bicyclists, along with data from other vehicles, according to the company website.

The ThermiCam V2X can prioritize traffic signaling at busy intersections and arterial roads for emergency and public transport vehicles, ultimately improving traffic flow and safety for all drivers.