ACTIVE-AURORA project: wireless connected vehicle technology now testing a variety of applications

Launched in 2014, the three-year project is being led by the University of Alberta Centre for Smart Transportation and the University of British Columbia.
The ACTIVE-AURORA project consists of four test-beds and two laboratory test environments, with ACTIVE representing the Edmonton component and AURORA representing the Vancouver component.

ACTIVE-AURORA provides an open learning environment for researchers, industry, and government groups to learn about and test connected vehicle applications and how they can improve our transportation network. From the testing of different applications and the data collected, this initiative will lead to improved transportation safety and efficiency for travellers, transport companies, and other users of the Asia-Pacific Gateway and its corridors. The Gateway is a transportation network of seaports, airports, railways, roadways and border crossings that reaches across Western Canada, facilitating global supply chains between North America and Asia.

Connected vehicle applications currently being tested on Edmonton roads include pedestrian alert; notification of unsafe speed approaching a curve; warning for following a vehicle too closely; notification of high-collision locations; notification of recommended driving speed for different traffic conditions; and notification of whether a vehicle can safely pass through a green light before it turns red. Information will only be collected from volunteer test vehicles during this pilot project.

One on-road Automotive Test-bed for Reconfigurable and Optimized Radio Access is located in Vancouver and will develop, test, demonstrate and commercialize innovations with particular emphasis on wireless communications for freight security and efficiency.

Different from test-bed locations in the United States, ACTIVE-AURORA allows for applications to be designed and tested within the context of Alberta’s cold climate, where road salt and varying freeze/thaw cycles may impact traffic flow and transportation safety. By communicating critical information in real-time, connected vehicles have the potential to not only save travel time, but to also save lives by providing drivers with the information they need to be proactive.

Using wireless technology, connected vehicles are able to communicate critical information in real-time with other vehicles and surrounding roadside equipment, such as traffic lights and electronic message boards. For example, when a driver is following too closely, the driver will receive an audio notification to adjust the distance between his or her vehicle and the one in front.

Additional Links

• ACTIVE-AURORA Test-bed Network
• International Conference on Transportation Innovation

September 2016