Celebrating Innovation - Five Years of the Infrastructure Automotive Technology Laboratory
The Infrastructure Automotive Technology Laboratory (iATL) in Alpharetta, Georgia, recently celebrated its five-year anniversary, marking a significant milestone in the development of connected vehicle technology. This pioneering facility has brought together automakers, cellular network operators, and technology companies to enhance road safety and efficiency through innovative applications.
Published Fri, 10 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT
Key Takeaways
- The iATL has facilitated over 50 connected vehicle projects in its first five years.
- Notable achievements include the development of traffic signal priority for school buses and the first cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) school zone safety beacon.
- The iATL Partner Alliance has grown to over 50 members, fostering collaboration in the automotive technology sector.
A Hub for Innovation
Opened on January 10, 2020, the iATL serves as a collaborative space for public-private partnerships aimed at advancing connected vehicle technology. The facility spans 4,400 square feet and is equipped with various electronic devices that control traffic signals, school zone safety beacons, and electronic crosswalks. This setup allows automakers and technology developers to create interactive safety applications that can communicate with the connected infrastructure within a five-mile radius.
Milestones Achieved
Over the past five years, the iATL has achieved several milestones that have significantly impacted road safety and traffic management:
- Traffic Signal Priority for School Buses: This initiative has reduced unscheduled stops by 40%, enhancing safety for students.
- C-V2X Warnings for School Safety Zones: In partnership with Audi, the lab demonstrated effective communication between vehicles and school buses, improving safety for disembarking students.
- Integration with Safety Apps: The iATL has successfully integrated school zone flashing beacons and emergency vehicle notifications with popular navigation apps like Waze and HAAS Alert’s Safety Cloud®.
- Intelligent Left Turn Development: This technology warns drivers of approaching vehicles during unprotected left turns, resulting in a 25% reduction in crashes.
- 5G Connected Vehicle Traffic Signal: The lab deployed the first 5G traffic signal used by an autonomous shuttle, showcasing the potential of next-generation connectivity.
The Future of Connected Vehicles
Bryan Mulligan, President of Applied Information and Executive Director of the iATL, expressed his excitement about the rapid advancements in connected vehicle technology. He noted, “The pace of change in the past five years has been astonishing. Connected vehicle technology is becoming increasingly common on our roadways, and it will only become more significant now that the FCC has ruled to approve the use of 5.9 GHz radio spectrum for connected vehicle uses.”
The iATL has also hosted numerous demonstrations for organizations such as ITS Southeast and 5GAA, further solidifying its role as a leader in the connected vehicle space. This summer, the facility will serve as an off-site location for the ITS World Congress, highlighting its importance in the global conversation about transportation technology.
Conclusion
As the iATL celebrates its five-year anniversary, it stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in the automotive industry. With its innovative projects and growing partner alliance, the lab is poised to continue shaping the future of connected vehicles and enhancing safety on our roads.