One of the latest breakthroughs to come out of the Internet-of-Things (IoT) is the concept of Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) technology, a wide umbrella of networked vehicle capabilities that can do everything from help prevent crashes to letting drivers know when something is in the way of their reversing vehicles.
The Internet-of-Things is a broad concept that refers to devices and sensors being connected to each other in a network and being able to share data that can then be used to create more desirable and efficient outcomes. On its most basic level, it contains things like temperature sensors connected to thermostats to allow optimal room by-room heating.
In more complicated instances, such as those emerging in the automotive world, it can include everything from self-driving cars to vehicles that are actually networked to each other and aware of each other's locations, allowing them to avoid collisions.
To take advantage of these emerging technologies, Michigan Senator Gary Peters (D) has introduced a bill called the "Vehicle-to-Infrastructure Safety Technology Investment Flexibility Act of 2015." If it passes, states will be able to use federal funding to incorporate new V2I technology to roads and infrastructure. Among other applications, states could use V2I sensors to warn drivers about road hazards and construction zones.
Speaking on the subject of his bill, Peters said that "It's important as we manufacture cars that it's just not torque and horsepower, although that's my favorite and most people's favorite thing about an automobile, it's still the technology the advanced computer power that's going to make vehicles extremely safe."
His bill was unanimously passed by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, and will be voted on, likely as part of a coming larger highway bill in the next few months.
Here at Greening Testing Laboratories, we do our best to stay on top of all of the latest technological trends in the automotive industry. Our services are employed by many of the world's leading automakers to assess the performance of their vehicle brakes, components and materials. GM has recognized our facilities as suitable for the most demanding and accurate tests, following the guidelines of all major standards organizations.