Californian connected car company Commsignia is working with Bosch to combine technical expertise to improve the safety of vulnerable road users.

This collaboration integrates Bosch cameras with built-in artificial intelligence (AI)-driven video analytics and Commsignia’s vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication hardware and data management software to create a digital twin for traffic, adding capabilities to intelligent transport systems (ITS).

Protecting vulnerable road users has become a priority in urban areas, where the changing mix of traffic is leading to more unexpected and dangerous situations between vehicle drivers, pedestrians, and e-bike and e-scooter riders. It is important to increase the visibility of vulnerable road users to make motorists more aware of their presence.

The intelligent Bosch cameras act as video sensors that detect and classify vulnerable road users and provide this information to Commsignia’s V2X roadside units. The combination of the two devices can broadcast the presence of vulnerable road users to connected vehicles, displaying a warning to help prevent an incident. The on-board units of connected vehicles display real-time alerts of pedestrians and cyclists on the road, even when they are hidden behind objects from the vehicle’s point of view.

Bosch cameras for ITS stream live video for monitoring, deliver real-time alerts, and capture roadway data for analysis, all from one device. When combined with partner integrations, such as with Commsignia’s V2X roadside units, the intelligent communicating devices can be components of real-time safety systems for highways, corridors and intersections.

Integration between Bosch and Commsignia tools is a proven method. One of the results of this collaboration is on Peachtree Corners’ connected streets where more than 14,000 cars pass through daily. Object detection by Bosch cameras and warnings by Commsignia C-V2X form a combination that not only benefits vulnerable road users, but also improves the safety of emergency first responders, connected buses, public service fleets such as snowploughs, and the increasing number of C-V2X equipped passenger cars and self-driving cars, so drivers can make more confident decisions and avoid dangerous manoeuvres.

Data from V2X and camera sensors are continuously aggregated by the Commsignia Central ITS management cloud system to provide insight to traffic managers. This information allows them to adjust traffic flow to improve intersection safety.

“Bosch’s cameras provide a solid foundation for Commsignia to realise its vision of creating a connected and collaborative vehicle ecosystem that will help cities achieve their vision zero goals,” said Laszlo Virag, chief technology officer of Commsignia (www.commsignia.com). “The cooperation goes far beyond the immediate prevention of traffic hazards and enables applications that can ensure sustainable road safety.”

Lewis Stallworth, business development manager at Bosch (www.bosch.com), added: “When a vulnerable road user is detected, immediate communication to motorists approaching an intersection is important to avoid accidents. The instant detection provided by Bosch cameras enables driver alerts that give them the information and time needed to react accordingly, enhancing safety for all.”