One of the world’s leading developers of thermal imaging equipment, FLIR Systems Inc., has launched its new ThermiCam V2X traffic sensor for the emerging vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology market at the Intertraffic Amsterdam 2018 show in the Netherlands.
V2X technology is an emerging crash avoidance system that relies on the communication of information between nearby vehicles and traffic infrastructure to warn drivers about potentially dangerous situations.
In a V2X system, both the vehicles and infrastructure have communication units installed to transmit and receive real-time information.
FLIR’s new V2X-enabled thermal sensor for urban situations will allow vehicles and traffic infrastructure to communicate and share data in a system that aims to improve motorist, pedestrian and bicyclist safety and efficiency.
The USA-based company will be demonstrating the ThermiCam V2X sensor at Intertraffic this week from March 20–23, 2018, with the product’s general availability to agencies starting in the second half of 2018.
The FLIR ThermiCam V2X mounts on existing traffic signals and detects vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists at intersections using thermal imaging data.
Using dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) technology, vehicles transmit real-time speed and direction data, while the ThermiCam V2X communicates the presence of pedestrians and bicyclists, along with data from other vehicles.
The ThermiCam V2X can prioritize traffic signaling at busy intersections and arterial roads for emergency and public transport vehicles, ultimately improving traffic flow and safety for all drivers.
Because the ThermiCam also connects with existing urban traffic systems, city authorities and transportation planners can future-proof traffic infrastructure and avoid major investments in retrofitting technology.
“As car manufacturers design V2X technology into future vehicles, our technology is being deployed today to ensure cities are ready for their arrival,” said James Cannon, president and CEO of FLIR.
“By detecting pedestrians, bicycles and vehicles in real time, while also enabling communication between vehicles and traffic infrastructure, the ThermiCam V2X will play a critical role in improving the movement and safety of the world’s roadways.”
