7ITS NEWS’ Post

Dubai /June 09, 2024 /RTA -- Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (#RTA) has inaugurated a pilot operation using a vehicle designed for AI-assisted automated detection of damage to the right-of-way and inspection of traffic diversions on #Dubai's roads. This initiative underscores RTA’s commitment to leveraging the latest digital and artificial intelligence technologies to enhance the quality of the road network and improve traffic safety in Dubai in line with RTA’s vision to be The World Leader in Seamless and Sustainable Mobility. The smart vehicle is equipped with high-precision tools for collecting data about the condition of the right-of-way and verifying the compliance of traffic diversions with RTA’s approved technical standards and specifications. It features #cameras, #sensors, and technical devices to detect damage to road furniture and facilities, generate reports, and upload them to the system automatically without human intervention. Hussain Al Banna, CEO of the Traffic and Roads Agency said: “RTA is keen on improving the operational efficiency of monitoring and detecting damage to the right-of-way and response time. The deliverables will contribute to extending the lifespan and sustainability of assets and facilities while maintaining the urban aesthetic of Dubai. This process will also enhance the performance of the infrastructure and road network across the emirate, support economic and population growth, and reinforce Dubai’s standing as an ideal and safe destination for residents and visitors.” Al Banna added: “The smart vehicle has exceptional features that enhance the detection of right-of-way conditions and inspections of traffic diversions. It is equipped with automated technologies to detect damages and transmit data to the system for processing and analysis using pre-fed data and self-learning technology. It provides up to 30% more comprehensive site coverage and reduces the time required to complete inspection elements by at least 70% compared to traditional field inspections.” Al Banna highlighted that generating reports on the extent of damage to the furniture and facilities of the right-of-way can achieve accuracy rates exceeding 85% compared to traditional methods. It also facilitates the verification of traffic diversions and ensures their implementation according to approved specifications, ensuring smooth and safe traffic flow for road users. “RTA will continue efforts to keep pace with the industrial revolution and adopt the latest digital technology in asset inspection, evaluation, and proactive maintenance. RTA is committed to implementing best practices and standards in asset sustainability and providing safe and smooth mobility for motorists and pedestrians in Dubai, ensuring safe and efficient road crossings,” concluded Al Banna. 

PALO ALTO, Calif., July 8, 2024 - Hesai Technology (Nasdaq: HSAI) has been named the top #automotive #lidar company by market share for the third consecutive year by Yole Group, a global advisory and market analysis firm recognized for its expertise in the semiconductor, photonic, and electronic sectors. This achievement comes after a strong year of record-breaking revenue and shipments, strategic design wins, an expanded product roster and new partnerships. Yole Group, an international market research and strategy consulting company, has released its “Lidar for #Automotive 2024" report, which ranks lidar companies by several key indicators of success. The report highlights the rapid expansion of the lidar industry and reaffirms Hesai’s continued leadership position in the global lidar market. The lidar market for passenger cars continues to grow rapidly, with a 145% growth from 2022. Hesai jumped ahead in 2023 to be one of the leaders in this space, holding a 26% market share. This growth can be attributed to an uptick in new OEM partnerships and Hesai’s commitment to creating a safer driving experience through its advanced technology. Hesai’s robust manufacturing and delivery capabilities have also contributed to its success. The company has shipped over 300,000 units of #ADAS lidar to OEM customers and secured ADAS design wins with 18 #OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers globally, across approximately 70 vehicle models as of Q1 2024. Yole Group estimates 762,000 lidar were installed in passenger cars in 2023, which is more than triple the amount in 2022. Hesai achieved the highest volume of lidar installed in passenger cars as a result of strong demand from Chinese OEMs such as Li Auto and Lotus. The automotive sector continues to evolve with the increasing integration of lidar technology into intelligent vehicles across a broader spectrum of price ranges. To navigate this trend, Hesai maintains dual strategic development pathways for its ADAS product roadmap: ultimate performance and ultimate value-to-cost. This is exemplified by its two latest long-range ADAS products, the AT512 and ATX, which provide appealing solutions at different price points, ensuring that safety becomes a standard feature in every intelligent vehicle.

New York, NY / 01 July 2024 / UN / Jane Doe — The United Nations has launched the #MakeASafetyStatement campaign to improve #traffic #safety globally. This initiative supports the New Decade of Action for Road Safety, aiming to mobilize political will and increase actions to save millions of lives. “Road safety is often overlooked politically. While we know how to prevent crashes, action is lagging,” said Jean Todt, UN Special Envoy for Road Safety. The campaign will run through 2025, reaching 1,000 cities in over 80 countries with support from celebrities like Novak Djokovic, Michelle Yeoh, and Naomi Campbell. Road accidents are the leading cause of death for those aged 5 to 29, with 1.2 million deaths and 40 to 50 million injuries annually, primarily in low- and middle-income countries. Guatemala’s Road Safety Efforts Guatemala faces high road mortality rates, with poor road conditions and insufficient law #enforcement. The National Civil Police has launched prevention campaigns, reaching over 570,000 people in 2022. The UN supports these efforts with training courses and traffic alerts. South Africa’s #Road Safety Campaign Launched in May 2024, the UN campaign in South Africa promotes road safety awareness. Jean Todt met with officials to strategize improvements, including distributing high-visibility belts and promoting legislation on speed limits and child restraints. The UN Road Safety Fund supports these initiatives. The #MakeASafetyStatement campaign exemplifies the UN’s approach to reducing road fatalities and injuries, contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals. Photo: © UN Women/Ryan Brown

July 08, 2024 / CE /Jackson, Mich — Consumers Energy plans to power 1,500 new fast #charging stations for electric vehicles (#EVs) by the end of the decade, underscoring the robust growth of clean #transportation in #Michigan. This ambitious goal is part of Consumers Energy’s Transportation Electrification Plan, which was recently submitted to state regulators. The plan highlights successes in residential and business EV programs, nighttime vehicle charging that benefits the electric grid, and a new rebate program for public EV #chargers. “Despite recent skepticism, the growth in EV adoption is undeniable. EV numbers in Michigan have tripled since 2020, and we expect this trend to continue,” said Lauren Snyder, Consumers Energy’s vice president of customer experience. “We aim to make Consumers Energy the go-to provider for EV drivers, offering convenience and affordability.” Consumers Energy has already provided over 135 rebates for public fast chargers, capable of fully charging an EV in less than 30 minutes. By the end of the decade, they plan to support the installation of over 1,500 charging locations, each with multiple fast chargers, to accommodate the increasing number of EVs. To further support this growth, Consumers Energy will introduce rebates next year for a new generation of fast chargers powered by on-site batteries. These chargers will draw power from the grid during off-peak hours to charge vehicles during the day. Consumers Energy’s #PowerMIDrive and #PowerMIFleet programs provide rebates for home and public charging, as well as support for businesses transitioning to electric fleets. They also offer programs for multifamily and community charging and are assisting Michigan school districts in adding over 100 electric school buses. “We are committed to accelerating Michigan’s EV transformation in a way that benefits everyone, reducing costs and supporting the grid,” Snyder added. “Whether you drive an EV or not, this transition will have positive impacts for all.” Consumers Energy is Michigan’s largest energy provider, serving 6.8 million residents in the Lower Peninsula. Their Clean Energy Plan aims to eliminate coal by 2025, achieve net-zero carbon emissions, and meet 90% of customers’ energy needs through clean sources like wind and solar. Credit: Canva

Montreal, QC / June 2024 / OSCP / Jane Doe — The demand for commercial #drones is skyrocketing, with the market projected to grow from $19.9 billion in 2022 to $57 billion by 2030. Similarly, the Autonomous Vehicle (#AV) market is expected to exceed $13 trillion by 2030. A significant challenge in these industries is the need for more accurate and cost-effective navigational #sensors. Montreal-based One Silicon Chips Photonics (#OSCP) has developed an inertial optical system that offers aerospace-level accuracy at a fraction of the cost. These sensors are 10 times more accurate than commercial-grade MEMS IMUs and can navigate precisely even without GPS. In partnership with French multinational Thales, OSCP's prototype has been successfully tested in autonomous rail systems. These sensors can increase rail capacity by up to 50% and reduce energy consumption by 15%. OSCP's technology has broad applications, including agriculture, mining, mapping, trucking, and delivery. The company recently secured $1.2 million in seed #funding from 7percent Ventures and 2050 Capital, in addition to $4.2 million in grants from various Canadian organizations, aimed at accelerating their growth and commercializing their sensors. “This $5.4 million in total funding will allow us to expand our team and expedite commercialization,” said Kazem Zandi, OSCP’s founder & CEO. Harry Morgan of 7percent Ventures highlighted the importance of this technology: “We believe that the technology Kazem and OSCP have developed will be vital in accelerating the adoption of autonomous systems.” Cornel Chiriac of 2050 Capital added, “OSCP’s innovation paves the way for mass adoption of autonomous systems and unlocks new opportunities for both established enterprises and startups.” Image Source | (©StockSnap | pixabay)

London, UK; New York, USA /10 July 2024 /Vertical Aerospace — Vertical Aerospace [NYSE: EVTL], a leading global aerospace and technology company pioneering zero emissions aviation, has announced the expansion of its Design Organisation Approval (#DOA) scope by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (#CAA). This extension signifies the CAA’s increased confidence in Vertical’s engineering capabilities as the company progresses towards Type Certification for its VX4 #aircraft. The expanded DOA scope allows Vertical’s engineers to certify more technical areas, including flight control, avionics, and electrical systems, thus streamlining the certification process. This development demonstrates the CAA’s trust in Vertical’s ability to achieve the highest #aviation safety standards, comparable to those of large commercial #airliners. Vertical will work with the CAA to further expand its DOA privileges, enabling the regulator to rely on Vertical’s approval for certain activities, such as issuing a Permit to Fly for piloted flight tests on the VX4 programme. The company is set to complete the assembly of its most advanced VX4 prototype and begin its piloted flight test programme at its Flight Test Centre at Cotswold Airport. In March 2023, Vertical became the first eVTOL developer to be granted a DOA by the CAA. Today’s expansion of the DOA scope is a significant step towards obtaining a Type Certificate, a prerequisite for entering commercial service. Simultaneously, the CAA and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have agreed on a collaborative approach for certifying Vertical’s VX4. This agreement sets the foundation for concurrent certification and validation by both authorities, ensuring a streamlined process. Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, stated, “This is another positive step forward in recognising that Vertical has the engineering capability to obtain certification for the VX4 aircraft. Our world-class engineering and design teams, combined with our partnership with leading aerospace companies and our state-of-the-art facilities in the UK, set us up well to achieve certification to the highest safety standards in the world. Seeing regulators like the CAA and EASA working closely together paves the way for a more seamless, faster route to certification.” Vertical Aerospace is actively engaged in certification validation projects with five major regulatory agencies, including the US Federal Aviation Administration, EASA, CAA, the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil (ANAC), and the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB). These efforts ensure the #VX4 aircraft meets the highest global safety standards. Credit: Canva

UK / 9 July 2024 12:47 /RAC — Police forces in the #UK are trialing new AI-equipped #cameras designed to detect drivers engaging in illegal behaviors, such as using handheld mobile phones while driving. RAC #roadsafety spokesman Rod Dennis commented on this initiative: "Despite the penalties for using a handheld phone doubling to six penalty points and a £200 fine seven years ago, far too many drivers still risk lives by engaging in this dangerous practice. A major reason for this is likely the lack of #enforcement, leaving many drivers unafraid of being caught. "AI cameras that automatically detect drivers breaking the law offer a significant opportunity to change this. Police can't be everywhere all the time, so utilizing the best available technology to catch illegal driving makes sense. Moreover, RAC research shows strong driver support for tougher enforcement of handheld mobile phone use, with nearly half (47%) believing that camera technology is the best solution." The new AI cameras aim to enhance road safety by increasing the detection and enforcement of distracted driving. Image Source | (©lxcsage | pixabay)

Paris /July 10, 2024 /TomTom /Sandra Zialcita — With Paris buzzing with anticipation for the 2024 #Olympic Games, the city is bracing for an influx of visitors and heightened #traffic #congestion. TomTom steps in to address this challenge, providing real-time traffic updates to help navigate the busy streets of #Paris during this global event. TomTom's Traffic Index Paris Special Edition offers an innovative solution for both businesses and drivers. This tool provides real-time information on traffic hotspots, clear routes, and unexpected road closures, ensuring that everyone can move smoothly through the city. With Paris already ranking as one of the most congested cities globally, the Olympics are expected to exacerbate traffic issues. TomTom, in collaboration with the French Ministry of Transport and Paris traffic authorities, aims to mitigate this impact with up-to-date traffic insights. TomTom's partnership with the Direction des Routes Ile-de-France DiRIF and the PTV Group leverages sophisticated traffic data platforms, delivering the most current information on traffic conditions, journey times, and road closures to road users across #metropolitan Paris. This initiative not only benefits Olympic spectators but also promises long-term improvements for Paris residents and future visitors.

UK /10 July 2024 /Department for Transport /Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill CBE and Louise Haigh MP — The newly appointed #Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh, has announced a comprehensive plan to deliver the most significant transformation in the UK’s transport sector in a generation. Emphasizing a proactive approach with the motto "move fast and fix things," Haigh has outlined five strategic priorities to revamp the nation’s transport system. In her initial address to the Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom staff on 8 July 2024, Haigh highlighted these key priorities: 1. Improving #Rail Performance and Advancing Rail Reform: Focused efforts to enhance railway operations and implement essential reforms. 2. Enhancing #Bus Services Nationwide: Expanding usage and quality of bus services across the country. 3. Transforming #Infrastructure: Ensuring infrastructure supports the entire nation, promoting social mobility, and addressing regional inequalities. 4. Delivering #GreenerTransport: Prioritizing environmentally sustainable transport solutions. 5. Better Integration of #TransportNetworks: Coordinating and streamlining various transport systems for improved efficiency. Haigh's first official visit this week will center on enhancing bus services, beginning with engagement sessions with Mayors and regional leaders who are pivotal to this mission. Haigh stated, "Our department is central to achieving the government's missions: growth, net zero, opportunity, safety for women and girls, and health. None of these can be realized without transport as a key enabler." She also emphasized the need for DfT to consider infrastructure and services collectively at every step, while relentlessly focusing on rail performance and much-needed reforms. Supporting Haigh in this ambitious endeavor, the newly-appointed Rail Minister, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill CBE, along with Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood MP, Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood MP, and Aviation, Maritime, and Security Minister Mike Kane MP, will play crucial roles in driving forward these transformative changes. The Transport Secretary will soon be officially sworn in at the Privy Council as Secretary of State, marking the commencement of this transformative journey for the UK's transport sector.

Philadelphia / June 20, 2024 / SEPTA – Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) has announced the reintroduction of an #enforcement program targeting quality-of-life violations, effective July 1. This initiative aims to deter low-level crimes, address repeat offenders, and improve the customer experience. SEPTA Transit Police will issue Code Violation Notices (#CVNs) for offenses such as alcohol consumption, public urination, smoking, littering, and other minor infractions. Under the new policy, offenders will receive a ticket, which will be forwarded to the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Administrative Review (#OAR). Fines will range from $25 to $150, with the option to pay the fine or request a court date. Unpaid fines will be tracked by OAR, and chronic offenders will face bans from SEPTA property. “The shift to Code Violation Notices demonstrates our commitment to stepping up enforcement of quality-of-life offenses,” said SEPTA CEO and General Manager Leslie S. Richards. “These violations often lead to customer complaints and can be associated with more serious crimes. Our customers and employees deserve to feel safe when traveling on SEPTA.” Since 2019, SEPTA Transit Police have issued Administrative Enforcement Notices (#AENs) for similar violations. However, an evaluation determined that AENs were ineffective in deterring anti-social behaviors impacting SEPTA customers. “Code Violation Notices are legal instruments backed by the courts,” said SEPTA Transit Police Chief Charles Lawson. “With this change, SEPTA is sending a clear message to would-be offenders: If you commit an offense on SEPTA property, you will be held accountable.” The CVN policy complements recent efforts to enhance safety and security on the system. SEPTA Transit Police have increased visible patrols at stations and on vehicles, supported by a new Virtual Patrol Unit utilizing SEPTA’s surveillance camera system to efficiently dispatch officers. SEPTA is also focused on expanding its police force, with recruitment and retention efforts leading to an increase from 196 sworn officers at the end of 2022 to 230 currently, the highest number in years. SEPTA plans to exceed its budgeted headcount for Transit Police to further bolster safety and security. These initiatives have contributed to a 45% decrease in serious crimes on the system during the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.