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A cockpit concept that offers advice on a different route when there are delays on the usual road, or adjusts the cabin temperature based on the driver’s preferences and the outside temperature, has been developed by US automotive supplier Visteon. Habit offers these solutions and others by incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver an enhanced driving experience. Visteon's Human Bayesian Intelligence Technology (Habit) system employs machine learning algorithms that are cognisant of the specific

German machine vision specialist Vitronic has received the Central Innovation Program for SMEs (ZIM) award 2013 for outstanding commercial success achieved through innovation. Vitronic used funding provided under ZIM, operated by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi), to develop its Lidar laser based technology system for video-based traffic surveillance at traffic light intersections. Vitronic claims Lidar overcomes the limitations of conventional technology such as radar, loops or light

US-based satellite and cellular-based machine-to-machine (M2M) solutions provider has launched its Orbcomm GT 1100, a self-powered M2M asset tracking and monitoring device designed for a variety of global markets including transportation and logistics, heavy equipment and oil and gas. The ruggedised, easy-to-install device is designed to fit seamlessly in between the indented spacing on intermodal containers. Its low profile and small size are also ideal for tracking and monitoring trailers and other types

After a string of heavy goods lorry drivers drove their over-sized vehicles through low tunnels, causing huge traffic delays and damaging the tunnel structure, Australian authorities took extreme action. They had tried flashing signs, neon signs and staggered signs to no avail, so drivers are now greeted with a curtain of water falling from the tunnel entrance, with a huge stop sign projected on to it. The Softstop virtual barrier created by Laservision creates the illusion of a solid sign, forcing the driv

The city of Dublin is using IBM Big Data identify and solve the root causes of traffic congestion in its public transport network throughout the city, which means improved traffic flow and better mobility for commuters. Integrating data from a citywide network of sensors with geospatial data means that city officials are able to better monitor and manage traffic in real time. To keep the city moving, the council’s traffic control centre works together with local transport operators to manage an extensive ne

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is increasing its loan for Poland’s PKP Intercity’s Pendolino trains from US$288 million to US$440 million. The project consists of the purchase of twenty modern high-speed trains and the construction of an associated maintenance depot in Warsaw. With the increase of financing, the bank aims to ensure smooth project implementation by completing the financing plan. The high-speed passenger connections will be available between Gdynia, Warsaw and Krakow/Katowice, part of a T

The European Commission has adopted two regulations to promote the roll-out of intelligent information services, such as real-time warnings about dangerous road conditions ahead and information on safe and secure parking places for truck drivers. They can be provided through different means such as variable road signs, the radio and mobile phone applications. The Commission wants these information services to be interoperable and compatible across Europe, and available to as many drivers as possible along t

The University of Michigan has announced the establishment of the Michigan Mobility Transformation Centre as a partnership with government and industry to dramatically improve the safety, sustainability and accessibility of the ways that people and goods move from place to place. According to Peter Sweatman, director of the U-M Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) and director of the new centre, emerging technological advances could bring substantial benefits to society.

Technology services provider Telent has revealed how improved driver behaviour and fuel initiatives among its mobile workforce have resulted in an annual fuel saving of £216,000 (US$328,800). The company has dramatically reduced incidents of speeding, idling, harsh braking and other such efficiency failings among 250 of its drivers following the introduction of TomTom’s Worksmart and Webfleet driving performance tools. Worksmart fleet management combines TomTom tracking and navigation with the ecoPlus on-bo

The U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is making US$21.9 million available to help strengthen public transportation safety for millions of passengers and transit workers nationwide. In addition, the agency also announced a flexible new policy, known as safety management systems (SMS), which the USDOT has officially adopted to help guide states and transit agencies in managing safety risks in a proactive, cost-effective way.

In an effort to reduce traffic congestion in Sweden, Blip Systems and Peek Traffic Sweden have teamed up in a deal that combines Blip Systems’ BlipTrack wireless solutions with Peek Traffic’s experience. BlipTrack uses roadside sensors to track Bluetooth and wi-fi enabled devices in passing vehicles to measure traffic queues and calculate travel times, enabling traffic managers to collect real time traffic data to use for optimising traffic flow, signal optimisation and road planning

Schneider Electrics is to implement its smart mobility management platform in Ecuador’s capital city, Quito. The contract, part of the range of initiatives being developed in the city, was awarded by the Metropolitan Public Mobility and Public Works Company (EPMMOP) and will provide integrated management and coordination of the city’s mobility. Schneider Electric’s SmartMobility ICM platform will allow municipal agents to coordinate the management of the city traffic, video surveillance system, and travell

Parsons Brinckerhoff has introduced an in-vehicle monitoring system (IVMS) for its entire fleet of motor vehicles in Australia, working with Securatrak to tailor the solution to its needs. The GPS tracking and journey management system will track almost any aspect of the fleet’s performance, anywhere and at any time, including the speed and route as well as behaviour such as the use of seatbelts, harsh braking and cornering, or whether 4WD is engaged when required. Parsons Brinckerhoff managing director for

Nodes, New Tools for Design and Operation of Urban Transport Interchanges is a three-year European research project, focusing on providing and demonstrating tools for better transport interchanges to support a more efficient urban transport system. Toulouse, Reading, Budapest, Rouen, Rome, Thessaloniki, Osnabrück, Coventry and the Dutch Railways will all implement new solutions for a new generation of interchanges which will contribute to better transport services and an improved experience for travellers.

Image Sensing Systems (ISS) has amended its agreement with Essa Technology to include North American distribution of Essa’s web-based back office software for the law enforcement market. This fully functional back office system delivers data rich analytics and reporting capabilities to provide agencies with information for tracking down and apprehending criminals. According to Kris Tufton, CEO of ISS, the combination of its rapid plate recognition, intelligent hardware and Essa’s back-office provides a com