A network of smart sensors that are working to capture commuter, vehicle and public transport’s movements in order to avoid dangerous activity, enhance sustainability, improve safety and reduce congestion has made an intersection in inner-city Melbourne to be the most intelligent in the world.
According to a recent press release, the intersection found at Johnston and Nicholson Streets in Carlton is part of the Australian Integrated Multimodal EcoSystem (AIMES).
About the Project
- It consists of more than 200 smart sensors connecting all parts of the transport environment within a six square kilometer area across the suburb.
- Australian Integrated Multimodal EcoSystem (AIMES) is the first transport ecosystem of its kind, where new, emerging and integrated Internet of Things (IoT) technologies can be trialled in a real-world environment.
- It is a world-first living laboratory based on the streets of Melbourne.
- AIMES is led by Majid Sarvi, Transport Systems Engineer from the University of Melbourne’s School of Engineering.
- Its vision is to deliver safer, cleaner and more sustainable transport solutions for all.
- An effective transport system is essential to the liveability of a city and a key driver of competition in the global marketplace.
- With current transport infrastructure under stress, the AIMES ecosystem provides a unique platform for collaborative trials of technology which integrates the movement of all road users such as people and vehicles with transport infrastructure.
How it Works
AIMES uses artificial intelligence to profile intersections to identify the potentially dangerous activity of vehicles and road users, including vulnerable road users like cyclists and pedestrians.
Over time, AIMES is developing a deeper understanding of what safety measures and actions can be taken to prevent future collisions at intersections to keep people safe.
These include measures such as priority traffic light signals for emergency vehicles or real-time dashboard warnings alerting drivers to a cyclist in their blind spot.
The technology in AIMES captures what trucks, bikes, pedestrians, cars, motorbikes, buses and trams are doing at the same time, and captures those movements in real-time.
Information such as where they are moving, how fast they are going, how many vehicles are queuing, which vehicle is likely to come into the path of another are being captured.
There are smart sensors and IoT technologies working together to provide AIMES with this valuable anonymised data.
Demonstration
Media was recently invited to attend a technical tour of AIMES so that they can see firsthand trials that are currently in operation.
These include AI mapping and measurement of movement to mitigate dangerous activities, improved safety and enhanced city mobility.
An opportunity to ride on the University’s autonomous shuttle vehicle was also made available.
AIMES is University of Melbourne-led with more than 50 industry, technology and government partners including the Transport and Accident Commission and the Department of Transport.
