In early June, Rob Lorden attended the American ITS Conference in Pittsburgh. Topics that held particular interest for him were connected and automated vehicles, in particular truck trains and freight logistics, and the Big Data storage and analytics that are consequent upon their adoption.

Significant cost reductions/economic benefits have been estimated from moving to autonomous vehicles and many examples of autonomous vehicles successfully driven on long journeys on public roads were given in the conference.

These vehicles rely on a number of sources of information including lidar, cameras and sensors. This will ultimately include data from other autonomous vehicles (including cyclists and possibly pedestrians) and many other sources including phasing information from traffic signals.  An issue raised was that current sensors pick up removed road markings, and don’t distinguish between these and current road markings because of the difference in road surface texture.

One possible solution discussed for the early adoption of autonomous commercial vehicles was an elevated, and possibly electrified, freeway for autonomous trucks/vehicles above existing freeway medians. This would be a ‘T’ rising from the centre median. Such a structure may only need to be one lane each way.

Daimler has done a lot of work on autonomous truck trains, lead by the first vehicle, with each truck individually powered. Below is a short clip showing one of Daimler’s autonomous trucks.

There is no limit to the potential length of the train other than how other road users would be affected. An elevated freeway as above would be good for autonomous truck trains. Autonomous trucks may be allowed in some states by 2016.

The biggest consequence of all this technology is that connected/autonomous vehicles will require enormous amounts of data to be stored and made available in real-time to many users and Big Data management is a significant issue for the industry.

Based on Rob’s discussions at the conference, the things New Zealand can do now to prepare for autonomous vehicles are:

1. Ensure that good quality road markings are applied
2. Make allowance for direct short-range radio communication devices to be installed in all new traffic signals and similar installations (these typically have a range of 0.5 miles and tell a vehicle when its signal will change so it can adjust its speed, etc.)
3. Remove road markings in a manner that does not leave a “distinguishing mark”
4. Use the orange temporary stick-on plastic road markings for temporary lane markings
5. Consider future Big Data issues
6. Make allowances for future technology in ATOC type TMCs.

Variable Message Signs

Peter Bathgate has just finished work on integrating the 135 estimated journey time signs around Auckland with the 34 overhead VMS that give drivers information on motorway traffic conditions. From mid-December, all Journey Time Signs will enhance and complement the overhead sign messages, giving users the opportunity to change their travel plans before taking a motorway on-ramp.

Resolve Group’s ITS specialists are also assisting the ITS Assets team at the Auckland Motorway Alliance with the procurement of new VMS to replace 6 existing signs.  The signs were part of the original ATMS installation that Resolve Group’s Karen Fehl and Terry Brown assisted NZTA with back in the early 1990s. This time around, the signs will be designed with much more sophisticated technology. As Peter Bathgate describes it, ‘they will be more like large TV screens, presenting information which is easy for people to understand.’ The intention is that in the future they will routinely display graphics and pictorial messages as well as text. Although they won’t be used for this from day one, the updated specification should provide NZTA with a “future-proofed” device.

Over-height Detection System

Resolve Group’s ITS team are also assisting the AMA to replace the equipment that forms part of the Over-height Detection System. This is a safety system that detects vehicles exceeding the legal maximum height at a critical part of the motorway network. The sensors activate warning signs to alert the driver of the offending vehicle and other motorists before they enter height restricted areas. The system is necessary because the network has several low-clearance bridges that have been subject to strikes by vehicles (or loads on vehicles) in the past. The existing system is old, with outdated technology. As well as the signs and the detection equipment, the communications system will be replaced.

For both projects, the Resolve Group role is to review the existing specification, determine what is required, provide advice on the technical and procurement issues, and to manage the process to delivery of the new equipment.

ITS Delivery Plan for Resolve Group’s Clients

Steve Griffith is currently working on an ‘ITS toolbox’ for Resolve Group’s clients that will allow us to match an appropriate ‘tool’ (i.e. solution, equipment, approach) to a Client’s problem.  We are using learnings, outcomes and information acquired from various international sources such as conferences, and examining ways in which this information can add value for clients.