Connected Transportation

What is your definition of a connected vehicle or better yet, connected transportation?

What types of systems are needed to achieve an intelligent connected transportation?

My initial list would be something along the lines of:

• Vehicle dynamics
• Notification and analytics
• Contextually aware
• Infrastructure
• Human dynamics

Manufacture specifications are only a small facet, in that, in our current state and our human desire to "pimp our ride", result in specifications being changed. Vehicle dynamics are one main ingredient of what our first phase is: autonomous driving. What about the other elements that make up vehicle dynamics, such as: damaged or components that aren't within designed specifications? Cargo weight and distribution of weight, acceleration capabilities, unsprung and sprung weight, tires, tire pressure, traction, brake pads and braking capabilities, energy consumption, etc... all play into vehicle dynamics. Having these dynamics as part of the connected transportation system will improve how and what data is being communicated to each vehicle. With this data, other vehicles will know how to respond when specifications aren't matched or when another vehicle can't respond and react accordingly.

Currently, the number I last heard, is that a connected vehicle (IoT) generates 100GB of data per second. Adding other subsystems will undoubtedly generate more data.

Notification is one area that is fascinating. Take a look at BMWs Vision Next 100 Concept car. The notification to the driver is one aspect; however, BMW decided to additionally have a notification system to its environment. I would presume this notification system would be a key piece in an intelligent connected transportation and also add data for communication. Imagine the type of information via the analytics that one could get from this notification system.

In addition to having external notification systems, being contextually aware is a key component to support an intelligent connected transportation. If a vehicle is modified, towing, needs repair or there are notifications being broadcasted, the transportation stream can accommodate accordingly. In case of emergencies, e.g. a woman going into labor, the notification system will broadcast a message and the corresponding connected vehicles will act accordingly and allow for said emergency to get priority.

What is your definition of a connected vehicle or better yet, connected transportation?

Infrastructure is always in need of repair and should be part of the notification to provide context to the intelligent connected transportation. Routing based upon destination and priority can be aided by the infrastructure. If a car gets a flat tire due to a pot hole, the information can be broadcasted quickly and inform other vehicles to note the location and act accordingly, e.g. avoid that drive line where the pot hole exists.

Lastly, human dynamics is the one that puts that stick into the spokes of a moving bicycle. How to handle the emotional state of the human in said instances. Currently, there are vehicles coming to market that will pull over if the driver is no longer able to pilot the vehicle safely. Imagine how much more valuable AI can be used in instances that speak to emotional / physical state of the human(s) within the vehicle. Speaking and validation of emergencies can be determined quickly and priority will be given, providing notification and context to the vehicle's surroundings.