German technology company Siemens has announced the launch of its intelligent transport systems (ITS) portfolio in Australia.
The launch was timed with the global ITS World Congress, held in Melbourne last week where Siemens, along with its demonstration partners NXP, showcased vehicle to infrastructure technology to help ease congestion and improve safety.
The company’s ITS portfolio includes the Sitraffic One traffic light, an intelligent sensor-based parking system which detects the urban parking space and gives drivers information on the parking situation, and Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology. The V2X technology is a cooperative system that optimises existing infrastructure through communication and automation, enabling vehicles to communicate with one another, with control centres and with the roadside infrastructure.
Commenting on the announcement to enter the ITS market, Max Eichhorn, the Head of Siemens Mobility (rail and transport infrastructure) Division said that, “We are excited to launch intelligent traffic solutions that are already minimising traffic jams, reducing unnecessary energy consumption and cutting CO2 emissions in other parts of the world, here in Australia.”
“As the existing infrastructure faces greater demand, we are focused on helping governments and councils optimise data and existing transportation infrastructure – to make journeys safer, more efficient and with less environmental impact,” said Mr. Eichhorn.
Siemens showcased the capabilities of its cloud-based traffic computer in Munich – the Siemens’ SmartGuard – at the Melbourne event last week. The SmartGuard system is connected to more than 5000 traffic signal installations, 12,000 detectors, 250 parking garages and 50 buses in 18 countries.
“Siemens is already very well established in Australia’s rail industry where our technology can be found on public and private rail networks right across the country. As we move into the age of digitalisation, the arena of intermodal transport becomes more critical to ensure cities and states can facilitate the efficient movement of people and goods – whether this is by road or rail or a combination of both. With our comprehensive and world-leading ITS portfolio, we are well placed to helping create intelligent infrastructure systems for Australian cities,” added Mr. Eichhorn.