Summary Reader Respond Draft 2
According to the article “Smart Road Technology: Digital Highways of The Future” (2020), the road is frequently overlooked in the development and evolution of modern transport. The article mentions that roads can be a platform for a host of innovations that will improve driving safety and efficiency. Internet of Things (IoT) devices are integrated and used in smart roads to enhance the experience of road users. There is a claim in the article that many authorities have recognized the importance of smart roads, but the article further elaborates that developing smart city infrastructure at scale can be expensive and complicated. Leaders can implement smart road projects in stages, starting with small-scale initiatives that give fundamental understanding before moving on to large-scale initiatives. To sum up, the article states that smart roads are crucial for transport innovations.
This article highlights the advantages of smart roads technology and how it can benefit road users. I believe that implementing smart roads technology can improve road safety and enhance the driving experience.
Firstly, road safety can be improved by using smart road systems. A wide range of sensors can be installed to detect any hazard on the road (Stein, 2021). By using artificial intelligence (AI), it can use the data collected to analyse and detect any potential risk and prevent accidents from happening. In the event of an accident, smart roadways may also quickly notify first responders. Besides using AI, LED systems can also be integrated into the road and transform into a screen (Korchoff, 2019). This enables clear road markings to be shown on the driving surface and quickly change the marking to inform if there is construction, lane reductions, incoming dangers or speed limit adjustments. Thus, smart road systems can quickly identify and alert the road user of any danger. This will result in fewer accidents.
Secondly, smart roads can help reduce traffic congestion by using intelligent traffic management networks. By using the data collected by the smart road sensors, it allows the flow of the traffic to be controlled in real-time (Korchoff, 2019). Smart traffic lights can also be programmed to react to conditions such as gridlock or obstruction of roads. Thus, by using this system, it helps to decrease traffic jams and help identify areas where traffic congestion regularly happens.
Lastly, smart roads can have a dedicated lane for electric cars to charge while driving. Over the past few years, electric vehicles have been gaining popularity (IEA 2020). But one of the issues that electric vehicles have is their charging times. Not just in terms of range but also in terms of the number of charging stations available. However, if a road that charges electric vehicles while they are in motion were created, that setback would be eliminated. According to Radu (2021), Israeli tech company ElectReon developed and implemented a wireless charging road by using copper coils that are buried under the asphalt. This technology is still under the testing phase, but the results are promising. This will extend the range of electric cars and reduce the amount needed to charge the electric car. Thus, this would eliminate one of the setbacks of owning an electric car.
Despite the benefit that smart roads technology brings, there are still drawbacks that can hinder the development of smart roads. One of the challenges smart road faces is the reliability of the technology. One such example is the failure of the solar road that the French build (Hruska, 2019). The solar panel road was supposed to generate enough energy to power the nearby town of Tourouvre. However, after three years, the project was discontinued as the solar panels deteriorated and failed to produce the amount of electricity they predicted. This highlights the technical difficulties that smart roads face.
In conclusion, smart road technology can bring benefits to the people by enhancing the safety of road users, improving the flow of traffic, and implementing wireless road charging.
https://www.iea.org/reports/global-ev-outlook-2020
This article highlights the advantages of smart roads technology and how it can benefit road users. I believe that implementing smart roads technology can improve road safety and enhance the driving experience.
Firstly, road safety can be improved by using smart road systems. A wide range of sensors can be installed to detect any hazard on the road (Stein, 2021). By using artificial intelligence (AI), it can use the data collected to analyse and detect any potential risk and prevent accidents from happening. In the event of an accident, smart roadways may also quickly notify first responders. Besides using AI, LED systems can also be integrated into the road and transform into a screen (Korchoff, 2019). This enables clear road markings to be shown on the driving surface and quickly change the marking to inform if there is construction, lane reductions, incoming dangers or speed limit adjustments. Thus, smart road systems can quickly identify and alert the road user of any danger. This will result in fewer accidents.
Secondly, smart roads can help reduce traffic congestion by using intelligent traffic management networks. By using the data collected by the smart road sensors, it allows the flow of the traffic to be controlled in real-time (Korchoff, 2019). Smart traffic lights can also be programmed to react to conditions such as gridlock or obstruction of roads. Thus, by using this system, it helps to decrease traffic jams and help identify areas where traffic congestion regularly happens.
Lastly, smart roads can have a dedicated lane for electric cars to charge while driving. Over the past few years, electric vehicles have been gaining popularity (IEA 2020). But one of the issues that electric vehicles have is their charging times. Not just in terms of range but also in terms of the number of charging stations available. However, if a road that charges electric vehicles while they are in motion were created, that setback would be eliminated. According to Radu (2021), Israeli tech company ElectReon developed and implemented a wireless charging road by using copper coils that are buried under the asphalt. This technology is still under the testing phase, but the results are promising. This will extend the range of electric cars and reduce the amount needed to charge the electric car. Thus, this would eliminate one of the setbacks of owning an electric car.
Despite the benefit that smart roads technology brings, there are still drawbacks that can hinder the development of smart roads. One of the challenges smart road faces is the reliability of the technology. One such example is the failure of the solar road that the French build (Hruska, 2019). The solar panel road was supposed to generate enough energy to power the nearby town of Tourouvre. However, after three years, the project was discontinued as the solar panels deteriorated and failed to produce the amount of electricity they predicted. This highlights the technical difficulties that smart roads face.
In conclusion, smart road technology can bring benefits to the people by enhancing the safety of road users, improving the flow of traffic, and implementing wireless road charging.
Reference
Global EV Outlook 2020 – Analysis. (2020, June). IEA.https://www.iea.org/reports/global-ev-outlook-2020
Hruska, J. (2019, August 22). France’s Solar Road Is a Complete Failure. ExtremeTech. https://www.extremetech.com/extreme/296951-frances-solar-road-is-a-complete-failure
Korchoff, S. (2019, December 10). Are smart roads the future? - benefits and barriers | ti-insight.com. Transport Intelligence.
https://www.ti-insight.com/briefs/are-smart-roads-the-future/
Radu, V. (2021, January 27). Sweden Successfully Tests Wireless Charging Road Set to Revolutionize Mobility. Autoevolution.
https://www.autoevolution.com/news/sweden-successfully-tests-wireless-charging-road-set-to-revolutionize-mobility-155137.html
Ratia, S. (2020, May). Cookie and Privacy Settings. Vrio.
https:/vrioeurope.com/en/smart-road-technology-digital-highways-of-the-future/
Stein, A. (2021, May 21). Smart Roads of the Future. PTV Blog.
https://blog.ptvgroup.com/en/city-and-mobility/smart-roads-of-the-future/
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