Siemens digital technology paves the way for autonomous driving

Siemens’ Sitraffic ESCoS, with Vehicle2X and Car2X communication technology, is a key component of a digital road system. The platform creates an intelligent transport network by connecting vehicles and infrastructure to the Internet of Things, allowing them to exchange real-time data.

The technology enables cars to communicate and cooperate with each other and traffic infrastructure, automatically passing along messages regarding road conditions, traffic flow and obstacles before they appear in the visual range of the driver. Vehicles are also able to receive signals from intelligent road signs, giving precise indicators for traffic situations, optimizing traffic flow, reducing tail-backs and accidents and minimizing emissions.

Sitraffic ESCoS technology is a key step on the path towards fully autonomous driving. This first stage of connecting cars and road infrastructure is already operational in projects in England, Austria, Germany and the Netherlands. Ultimately, it will connect and integrate all transport modes and infrastructure to the Internet of Things, including aircraft, trains, trams, buses, ships, parking lots and cars.

“We are in an era which demands an increasingly intelligent approach to transport and traffic management; one in which digital technologies hold the key to optimizing the performance of modern, multi-modal transport networks,” said Joerg Scheifler, Senior Executive Vice President, Mobility Division, Siemens Middle East. “The UAE in particular is taking great strides towards developing smart infrastructure, with the wellbeing of the population a high priority. Using digitalization technology to build safe, efficient, future-proof and environmentally sympathetic transport networks is an important part of the transition towards fully smart cities.”

At Gulf Traffic 2016 Siemens will also be showcasing its Integrated Smart Parking Solution, a modular system which uses unique overhead radar, ground sensors and cameras to gather real-time data on current traffic conditions. This data can be used by authorities and operators for parking enforcement, and by road users for automatic navigation to available parking via a mobile app.

This reduces time spent searching for parking, easing traffic, lowering emissions and improving the overall travel experience in a city. It can also be paired with statistical data to create accurate traffic predictions, simplifying analysis and regulation of parking, improving potential revenues and enabling simplified route planning for drivers.

The company’s International Tunnel Control Center (ITCC) will also be on show at Gulf Traffic 2016. A modular system, ITCC is able to monitor traffic guidance and control equipment, light, air and power supplies, smoke and fire detection, pollution measurement, pumps and emergency call systems. All the information from these subsystems is integrated into the Sitraffic ITCC, allowing a coordinated strategy, promoting safe traffic guidance and a high level of safety.

Siemens AG  (Berlin and Munich) is a global technology powerhouse that has stood for engineering excellence, innovation, quality, reliability and internationality for more than 165 years. The company is active in more than 200 countries, focusing on the areas of electrification, automation and digitalization. One of the world’s largest producers of energy-efficient, resource-saving technologies, Siemens is a leading supplier of efficient power generation and power transmission solutions and a pioneer in infrastructure solutions as well as automation, drive and software solutions for industry. The company is also a leading provider of medical imaging equipment – such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging systems – and a leader in laboratory diagnostics as well as clinical IT. In fiscal 2016, which ended on September 30, 2016, Siemens generated revenue of €79.6 billion and net income of €5.6 billion. At the end of September 2016, the company had around 351,000 employees worldwide. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com.