Laboratory to Help Connected and Autonomous Vehicles Talk to Traffic Signals Opens

"BahamaTodd" (bahamatodd) 01/13/2020 at 18:20 • Filed to: v2x

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Just some insight into what is going on with V2x, and in this case V2I (Vehicle to Infrastructure) communication.

Infrastructure-Automotive Technology Laboratory (iATL)

At the iATL, automakers, manufacturers and transportation professionals can experience and test a wide spectrum of signals and roadside equipment. Designed as a working laboratory, visitors are encouraged to develop and test the latest C-V2x applications.

The primary function of the iATL is to serve as an engineering technical facility for testing the functionality and performance of connected vehicle applications between the transportation infrastructure and motor vehicles, the infrastructure and vulnerable road users, motor vehicles and vulnerable road users and other configurations.

“The iATL is where automakers, roadway operators and technology companies can come together and make the vision of connected vehicles a reality now,” said Bryan Mulligan, President of Applied Information. “The iATL is not just a collection of traffic devices in a laboratory, but it is embedded in an ecosystem of 125 connected intersections to test the Day One applications in real-world conditions.”

The 4,400 square foot facility includes dozens of different types of electronic devices that control everything from traffic signals to school zone safety beacons to electronic crosswalks. Automakers will be able to develop interactive safety apps that interact with the devices and cellular network operators will work out communications including 5G.

Another unique feature of the iATL is that automakers can test safety applications in real-world conditions in the streets of Alpharetta, GA which operates the first large-scale deployment of connected vehicle infrastructure technology using all forms of communications simultaneously – 4G LTE, Cellular Vehicle to Everything (C-V2X), Dedicated Short Range Radio (DSRC) and 900 MHz radio, underwritten by the North Fulton Community Improvement District.

facw > BahamaTodd 01/13/2020 at 19:05

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I’m pretty worried that this stuff will be insufficiently hardened against adversarial situations. The auto industry really does not have a great history there. I mean I don’t think people will be using it to crash cars left and right, but there’s definitely cause to be con cerned about bad data, whether from malicious actors, or just bad setup or damaged sensors.

Urambo Tauro > BahamaTodd 01/13/2020 at 19:19

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So do I understand correctly, that they are m aking sure that driverless cars can read and interpret existing traffic control devices (like signs and lights) , ... as opposed to overhauling our infrastructure to broadcast invisible signals exclusively for robo-cars to receive?

I’ve long thought that the digital solution was taking the “ easy” way out. Well, “e asy”, in t he sense that it’s theoretically easier for programming, anyway. Also “easier” in the sense that it shifts the burden to updating infrastructure instead of developing cars to learn what’s already there. Besides, w e can’t digitize everything . These cars are still   gonna have to deal with low-tech obstacles and learn how to read simple turn signals from other (human- driven) cars, like flashing lights (and even hand signals), so if they’re going to have to learn t hat “language” anyway, might as well use it to read old-fashioned devices like green- yellow-red traffic signals.

BahamaTodd > Urambo Tauro 01/13/2020 at 22:07

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This facility is for testing with the updated infrastructure which will be able to communicate with vehicles.

Its on auto manufacturers to design their systems to recognize existing “dumb” infrastructure.

Urambo Tauro > BahamaTodd 01/13/2020 at 22:53

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Interesting. I wonder if the “updated infrastructure” stuff is just an extra layer of redundancy, or if they’re planning on incorporating some of that V 2I stuff that lets the driver/car know when the light ahead is about to turn green. I seem to recall reading something about Audis being equipped with that sort of thing...