Automotive

Volvo joins the CAR 2 CAR Communication Consortium

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Volvo has announced that it is joining the CAR 2 CAR Communication Consortium, which will allow vehicles to communicate with one another
The CAR 2 CAR Red Light Violation Warning would warn drivers approaching a controlled intersection on a green light, if a car approaching on the cross street was about to run its red light and potentially collide with them
The aim of the CAR 2 CAR project is to establish a standard system that would allow vehicles to wirelessly communicate with one another, regardless of make or model
Using CAR 2 CAR technology, an oncoming car (center) could warn other vehicles of a break-down on the road ahead
The CAR 2 CAR Emergency Vehicle Warning would alert drivers to approaching emergency response vehicles
Volvo has announced that it is joining the CAR 2 CAR Communication Consortium, which will allow vehicles to communicate with one another
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Automakers such as Honda, GM, Audi, BMW and Daimler have already done it, now Volvo has too – it’s joined the CAR 2 CAR Communication Consortium. The aim of the project is to establish a standard system that would allow vehicles to wirelessly communicate with one another, regardless of make or model. If the system works as planned, it should reduce accidents, improve traffic flow, and just generally make driving a more enjoyable experience.

The system would allow cars to transmit data to other vehicles within a given radius. That data could include things like each vehicle’s GPS coordinates, speed and direction of travel. Transmitters would also be placed in infrastructure components, such as traffic lights and road signs, allowing them to be part of the wireless network – in that way, they could transmit information such as speed limits and road conditions to vehicles in the area.

As outlined by Volvo, the CAR 2 CAR technology that it will help to develop and standardize could include some of the following features.

The CAR 2 CAR Red Light Violation Warning would warn drivers approaching a controlled intersection on a green light, if a car approaching on the cross street was about to run its red light and potentially collide with them

Red Light Violation Warning (pictured above) – this will alert drivers approaching a controlled intersection on a green light, if a car approaching on the cross street is about to run its red light and potentially collide with them

Green Light Optimum Speed Advisory – drivers will be advised of the optimum speed of travel along a given road, if they wish to hit only green lights

Motorcycle Approaching Indication – the system will warn drivers of the presence of nearby motorcycles, so they can take extra care to notice them

Emergency Vehicle Warning – drivers will be made aware of approaching emergency response vehicles, so they can pull over to let them get past

Emergency Electronic Brake Light – motorists will be warned when a driver ahead of them suddenly slows down or stops

Road Works Warning – provides advance notice of upcoming construction zones, along with providing numbers on the length of those zones

In-Vehicle Signage – information such as speed limits will be displayed within the vehicle

Traffic Jam Ahead Warning – as with the Emergency Electronic Brake Light, the system will let drivers know that they need to prepare to stop

Weather Information – alerts regarding icy roads, heavy rainfall, or other weather conditions that could affect driving

The consortium hopes to have the system up and running by 2016. More information on Volvo’s involvement in the project is available in the video below.

Source: Volvo

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4 comments
John Parkes
This technology has the potential of inventions like the microwave oven, the cell phone, and the internet...imagine the unlimited potential of every vehicle networked, passing along information like cell signals in a weak area, weather and traffic information, accident reporting almost instantly alerting authorities, doing speed, traffic, and time calculations in real time in real conditions to get accurate estimates for travel...smart traffic control devices like traffic lights, and lane reversals...tracking stolen or out of control vehicles, the possibilities are many.
nutcase
If they can get this right then autonomous vehicles will be ready for the market. Combined with this http://www.gizmag.com/smart-highways/24836/
Jay Wilson
They need to add a voice channel so that drivers could exchange proper "courtesies"
Gordon McShean
The potential for driver information is exciting; but how about extending the system's capabilities, having a vehicle's monitoring capabilities capable of restricting its speed so that a driver could not exceed speed limits? Imagine how we'd be able to do away with speed cops - and imagine too the lives that might be saved!