Safe Driving with Volvo’s Cloud Based Communication System is soon become true!
Volvo has always been regarded and considered to be a proactive contributor in the field of road safety technological features and measures. Right from introducing safety cage in 1944 to consistently launching safety measures presently, Volvo has always been ahead of its competitors. In joint association of Norwegian Public Roads Administration and Swedish Transport Administration, Volvo has developed a cloud based communication system which ensures safe driving. Currently they have launched the pilot test or version of this project for checking its reliability and post effects. Erik Israelson, the project leader Cooperative at Volvo Cars states, “The pilot is one of the first practical examples of the way communication between vehicles over the mobile network enables vehicles to ‘speak’ to each other and with the traffic environment. This can contribute to making traffic safer.”
The car is equipped with this safety device which acts as a real time tracker for detecting slippery patches on roads and other areas. The device warns or alerts the driver on detecting real time issues on road. The roads are prone to become slippery during winters. Hence, this cloud based system will prove to be essential and equally important for ensuring safety measures. Presently, Volvo is running a pilot test on 50 Vehicles for testing its efficiency and result on Scandinavian roads. Eric adds, “We have 50 test cars on the roads, and next winter the fleet will grow considerably. Our aim is to make the technology available for our customers within a few years.”
In case of any detection of ice or slippery condition, the device transmits road friction notification through mobile networks in the database of Volvo cars. The nearby vehicles are then warned by an auto real time message that is sent from the Volvo database. This alerts the driver well in time before the hazard approaches. Apart from this, the warning message is also sent to the road maintenance authorities for taking action on immediate basis. Erik explains,” When the road administrator has access to information from a large number of cars, the data can be used to make winter road maintenance more efficient. The information could help to improve road safety further for all road users. This could also reduce the use of salt when not needed and minimize the environmental impact.”
After the successful test run of this technology, Volvo is going to officially launch and make this technology available in the cars within few years. Erik said,” This is only the beginning. In the future we will have increased exchange of vital information between vehicles. There is considerable potential in this area, including safer traffic, a more comfortable drive and an improved traffic flow.”
However, Volvo is not the only automobile company which has recognized the need for high end as well as supreme communication amongst the vehicles. Other premium segment companies namely Toyota, BMW, GM and Mercedes are also working and are in the process of launching their vehicle to infrastructure and vehicle to vehicle communication system. Erik concluded by saying, “The strategic focus on connectivity within our new Scalable Product Architecture paves the way for more cloud-based safety solutions. This will bring us closer to our safety vision that nobody should die or suffer serious injuries in a new Volvo car by the year 2020.”
