IoT in Transportation is already a big business. Allied Market Research reported that the market was expected to grow to $328 billion USD by 2023.
IoT devices are deployed in a number of areas within the transportation sector, notably in traffic congestion systems, telematics systems within vehicles, tools and ticketing and security and surveillance to name but a few.
IoT for transportation is the networking of objects via embedded sensors, actuators and other devices that gather and transmit data about real-world activities. The use of IoT enabled technology is changing the way that the transportation sector operates. We wish to take a closer look at some of the areas within the transportation sector that are utilising IoT to transform how transportation systems gather and make use of data.
Some wider benefits that apply to the use of IoT technology within the transportation sector include:
1. Enhance Customer Experience
IoT technologies help to provide customers with more accurate, up-to-date, real-time data to better plan journeys and improve communication.
2. Improved Safety
The ability to track things such as train speeds, aircraft part conditions, roadway temperatures and the number of vehicles at an intersection using IoT enabled technology can all help to improve the safety of our transit systems worldwide.
3. Operational Performance
Transport Agencies adopting IoT technologies are already starting to see benefits in terms of operational performance. Cities can better monitor critical infrastructures and develop efficient processes to minimise operating costs and improve system capacity.
4. Environmental Improvements
By better monitoring congestion, IoT enabled systems can react quickly to evolving traffic patterns and return real-time data to help people to plan their journeys better. Reducing congestion and energy usage have a positive impact on the environment.
Five applications of IoT technology in transportation
These benefits of IoT technology in transportation can be applied through a number of applications within the sector. Here are five of the most common applications:
Traffic Management
Roading is by far the biggest segment within transportation when it comes to the adoption of IoT technologies and this is expected to grow as we head towards 2023. Within cities, data can be collected from CCTV feeds which transmit vehicle-related data to traffic management centres. Applications using IoT technology include:
- Smart parking
- Traffic lights
- Smart accident assistance
Toll and Ticketing
Conventional toll systems are becoming rapidly outdated. With the increase in vehicles on the roads, queues at toll booths have become a common sight, not to mention the manpower needed to operate toll booths on busy highways. Whilst automated tolls, using a RFID tag, have improved the flow of traffic, further improvements have been made possible by the use of IoT technology.
Many of today’s modern vehicles are equipped with IoT connectivity. A vehicle can be detected up to a kilometre away from a tolling station, correctly identified and the barrier lifted for the vehicle to pass through. Alternatively, for older vehicles, a registered smartphone could serve the same purpose, taking automatic payment from the digital wallet linked on the phone.
Connected Cars
As mentioned above, cars today rely on connectivity and a key part of that is many new cars are now equipped with internet connectivity, sensors and actuators, all monitoring a wide range of applications from brakes and engine to the control of tyre pressure and exhaust gas composition.
In the future, connected cars will use the in-vehicles networks, radar and cameras to help detect and communicate with one other, prevent collisions and to help promote smooth traffic flow.
Vehicle Tracking Systems
Vehicle tracking systems are typically used within the freight segment to help companies manage their fleets effectively. They also help to monitor driver behaviour and can collect data which informs on idling time and driving style. Examples of IoT-powered functionality include:
- Trip scheduling
- Fleet tracking
- Driving times and driver rest break scheduling
- Alerts for speeding, harsh cornering, acceleration or braking
- Monitoring of vehicle load
- Distance travelled and fuel consumption
Public Transport Management
One key area in which NEC has been operating is smart transportation, with a focus on the public transport segment. IoT technologies are already in wide use in this segment and our solutions, including integrated ticketing and automated fare collection, passenger information systems, passenger information display systems and advanced vehicle Logistics solutions, all utilising IoT technology to help solve social and economic issues such as traffic congestion in public transport.
IoT technology for connected public transport systems provides the following benefits:
- Real-time vehicle tracking – this helps public transport agencies better communicate with customers and provide accurate arrival times through both mobile devices and passenger information displays at transit stops and stations
- Data analysis and real-time management – the technology allows transit agencies to monitor progress in real-time and make adjustments for unpredicted incidents such as accidents, roadworks, emergencies etc., helping to re-route and make journeys more efficient
- Personalised travel information – transit agencies can track and monitor commuter behaviour and travel patterns and deliver personalised information direct to their smart phone on key changes such as delays, station closures or re-routing
