Ericsson

Communications technology provider Ericsson is planning to launch a new cloud platform for the sharing of real-time traffic and road condition data between connected vehicles and traffic authorities.

Ericsson aims to increase road safety and improve traffic flow with the new Connected Traffic Cloud, which improves the ability of the authorities to communicate with drivers, instead of depending on a combination of broadcast radio and digital roadside signage.

According to the Swedish firm, the authorities can use the platform to get access to all the required data and can also increase their ability to aggregate and assess real real-time data from connected vehicles and devices.

"Vehicles are becoming a major source of data that could be used to improve road traffic authorities’ ability to manage traffic and prevent avoidable accidents."

Ericsson Industry & Society head Orvar Hurtig said: "Mobile connectivity is increasingly a must-have feature in cars, thanks to both consumer demand for infotainment and a wide range of regulatory initiatives that aim to increase road safety.

"As a result, vehicles are becoming a major source of data that could be used to improve road traffic authorities’ ability to manage traffic and prevent avoidable accidents. Connected Traffic Cloud is the means by which that data could be shared."

Drivers will get proactive and location-relevant communication from the Connected Traffic Cloud through the screens of connected devices.

The platform primarily targets road traffic authorities, who depend on a limited set of data provided by a small number of road sensors and traffic cameras at present.

Traffic authorities use the available data to manage traffic flow by controlling traffic lights and to provide traffic advisories to drivers that help them avoid road conditions that may be potentially dangerous.

Image: Ericsson office in Kista, Sweden. Photo: courtesy of Ericsson.