- Collaboration will include Microsoft, 3M and Kapsch TrafficCom, among other companies
- Group will develop open solutions for connected corridors supporting conventional and autonomous vehicles
- Projects will promote new safety and mobility technologies adapted to improve the traveling experience as cars become more autonomous
Ferrovial has announced the creation of AIVIA Orchestrated Connected Corridors, an initiative to develop 5G smart roads and advanced monitoring, sensorization and simulation technology, with the participation of Microsoft, 3M and Kapsch TrafficCom. The project includes road infrastructure technologies to improve the traveler experience including safety, reliable travel times and access to infotainment from the vehicle.
Other companies are expected to join AIVIA contributing to the implementation of both digital and physical infrastructure and orchestrated solutions for the roads of the future. AIVIA collaborators who represent different domains (signage, lane markings, technology, telecom equipment, digital services, ITS/V2X, road safety materials, work zone devices, etc.) will help bring the next generation of highway travel to life. As private and fleet vehicles evolve towards full autonomy, connected infrastructures will play a critical role in safety and utility, especially in mixed high-speed environments where autonomous and conventional vehicles both travel.
Ferrovial created AIVIA to respond to this challenge. This project is a joint effort incorporating innovative companies including Microsoft, 3M Company, and Kapsch TrafficCom. Auto manufacturers and other technology leaders are expected to join soon
Mobility of the future
“New technologies force us to rethink the world we live in,” said Alejandro de la Joya, CEO of Cintra, Ferrovial’s highway operation company. “Ferrovial is an innovative company that offers solutions for the future of transportation and mobility. We are proud that Cintra is at the forefront of digital road technology which is why we are excited to launch AIVIA with our partners. AIVIA connected corridors will increase road safety for users, facilitating safe interaction between autonomous and conventional vehicles in high-density and high-speed urban corridors. We can reduce travel times and congestion while offering a 5G broadband network along our highways,” he concluded.
“This initiative offers a long-term vision for the development of orchestrated and connected corridors, as well as an immediate focus on physical improvements, increasing sensorization and 5G / V2X connectivity in the corridor to increase road safety for the users and to support autonomous connected vehicles,” said Dimitris Bountolos, general director of Information Systems and Innovation at Ferrovial.
AIVIA will implement high-speed technologies in mixed traffic that will improve the traveler experience and enhance safety for highway maintenance personnel and road users.
“Microsoft’s participation in the AIVIA initiative is a great opportunity to execute on our mission of empowering every person and organization to achieve more. Applying our latest cloud technologies like IoT and Data & AI solutions, our aim is to be the technology backbone of AIVIA for a better, connected and safer mobility,” said Jose Maria de la Fuente, Manufacturing & Infrastructures Industry Manager for Microsoft.
The company 3M, a leader in road safety and mobility solutions, has also joined this project. “At 3M, we’re dedicated to improving transportation infrastructure and mobility so that all road users can arrive at their destinations safely,” said Dr. Daniel Chen, 3M’s Transportation Safety Division Vice President and General Manager. “We’re delighted to bring our innovative technologies and portfolio of products to this joint endeavor.” 3M will bring a range of materials and solutions including retroreflective sign sheeting, pavement marking, temporary traffic control, vehicle registration, conspicuity, and road safety asset management software. 3M’s mission of road safety is proving to be important as modes of mobility are evolving and in efforts to help governments achieve their vision zero goals.
“We look forward to partnering with Ferrovial and to jointly exploring the exciting possibilities for connected and autonomous vehicles in North America,” said Alfredo Escriba, Chief Technology Officer of Kapsch TrafficCom TrafficCom. “As a provider of intelligent transportation systems (ITS), our connected services technologies provide the technical infrastructure that enable critical safety and mobility applications. A comprehensive and coordinated approach is a necessary step toward developing a digitally-connected transportation infrastructure of the future.”
North America: Strategic Market in Horizon 24
At the beginning of 2020, Ferrovial announced its Horizon 24 Plan which established the company’s growth focus on the development of sustainable infrastructure with projects of high concession value and designated the North America as a key market for growth and development.
This initiative reinforces Ferrovial’s commitment to North America, its main market by revenue. The company has five Managed Lane projects in its portfolio located in Texas (LBJ, NTE and NTE 35W), Virginia (I-66) and North Carolina (I-77).
Ferrovial has worked with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for a decade to support research projects aimed at transforming cities and developing the infrastructure of the future.
