The German government has adopted a national strategy for autonomous and connected driving in December 2024, aiming to be a global leader in the implementation of modern mobility.
The strategy paves the way for autonomous and connected driving and to benefit from the enormous opportunities these advancements offer. Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems technology will play a crucial role in this, as it is the key enabler for connecting vehicles and infrastructure.
Austrian company Kapsch TrafficCom says it has been developing this technology for many years and is also involved in the creation and further development of harmonised standards. The company’s technology is currently being deployed on German motorways for construction site warnings, highlighting its key role as a technology developer.
C-ITS technology can be used to analyse and manage traffic flows in real time, to enable emergency vehicles to automatically influence traffic light sequences, or to issue accident or congestion warnings directly to vehicles.
The strategy places a particular focus on public transport, which serves as a driver of innovation for autonomous systems. In this case, better networking can help to increase the efficiency of the transport network and thus boost the attractiveness of public transport – after all, it takes just a few equipped vehicles to significantly improve the overall traffic situation.
Kapsch TrafficCom says it actively supports Germany’s efforts to advance the EU-wide and international harmonisation of standards for autonomous and connected driving. Particular emphasis is placed on the further development of communication standards and applications for use in emergency situations. The widespread introduction of such systems will significantly increase the acceptance and use of autonomous systems while also reducing environmental pollution.
(Picture – Kapsch)
