Modern technology protects highly vulnerable road users
VITRONIC has successfully installed and deployed sensor technology at the Test Track for Automated and Connected Driving (TAVF) in Hamburg, Germany. This test installation aims to contribute to optimizing traffic flow and increasing road safety for particularly vulnerable road users (VRU). These include, in particular, pedestrians and cyclists, who are exposed to an increased risk of injury in the event of accidents due to the lack of protective environments and lower visibility.
On the TAVF, vehicle manufacturers, technology companies, and research institutions can test ITS applications, safety and assistance systems, as well as automated and connected driving functions in a real traffic environment on public roads. For this purpose, the test track provides installations for the use of infrastructure-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication (V2X).
Real-time data for optimized traffic flow
VITRONIC is testing its systems at a danger point. This concerns an intersection representing a highly congested traffic junction (K94) in the Hamburg city area. It is located only about two kilometers northwest of the central train station and near the CCH congress center. A video camera was installed on an existing light pole to record the flow of traffic coming from Schröderstiftstraße in the direction of the K94 junction (Rentzelstraße / Schröderstiftstraße / An der Verbindungsbahn). A second camera was fitted to a pillar located directly at the K94 junction.
Both cameras record the incoming traffic from the direction of Schröderstiftstraße. The real-time data collected in this way is available for further processing by the traffic lights control processes at the K94 junction. The aim is to optimize the traffic light control so that waiting and travel times are reduced for all road users. For example, green phases could be extended at peak times so that an increased number of cyclists and pedestrians can cross the road safely.
Raising awareness for hazardous situations
To increase the traffic safety of VRUs in the area of the K94 junction, Vitronic has also installed two additional sensors, including a radar. In the future, so-called CPMs (Collective Perception Messages) could be sent to those vehicles that are involved in potentially dangerous situations. Furthermore, position data of all traffic objects detected by the sensors can be continuously sent via CPM. Currently, the communication between the Road Side Unit (RSU) and the On Board Unit (OBU) is being tested and improved. While the OBU is located in the vehicle, the RSU is installed on the infrastructure side, e.g. on a lighting pole.
There is ongoing optimization of the procedures implemented on the test track and validation of the data. The presentation of the respective results is planned for the ITS World Congress.
About VITRONIC
VITRONIC is the world's leading innovation driver for industrial image processing, enabling its customers to master the challenges of tomorrow.
The owner-managed group of companies develops forward-looking solutions in the form of specialized products and software for image-based quality inspection, identification and process optimization, which find application in the growth sectors of automation and traffic engineering.
VITRONIC solutions make an important contribution to helping shape a safe and sustainable world. The existing limits of what is economically feasible are constantly being questioned in order to achieve the highest quality and productivity, for example in the production of automotive and pharmaceutical companies. Worldwide, Auto-ID solutions in logistics centers and at cargo airports, take over the reliable and efficient recording of shipments and thus ensure a transparent flow of goods.
In the transport sector, VITRONIC offers leading technology for increased safety on the roads, for optimizing traffic flow and for recording road usage.
Open and honest dealings with our customers form the foundation for jointly exploiting technological and process potential to the full. Joint success forms the basis of long-term cooperation with companies such as B. Braun, BMW, Daimler, DHL, UPS, Toll Collect, Fresenius and Sanofi as well as with public clients.
Since its foundation in 1984, VITRONIC has been growing continuously for almost 40 years. The current annual turnover (2022) is 208 million EUR and the company is currently represented on five continents in over 80 countries with 1,400 employees.
Development and production of VITRONIC systems are located at the company headquarters in Wiesbaden. VITRONIC subsidiaries span across all continents, including North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. Additionally, a global network of sales and service partners ensures localized support for international customers.
