Cooperative Automated Transportation (CAT)

Cooperative Automated Transportation

Roadway safety in a cooperative automated world

Highway automation is not years away, or even days away. It’s here now, causing a number of state transportation agencies to react with initiatives related to preparing and supporting Connected Automated Vehicles (CAVs) on U.S. roadways.


Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs)

Cooperative Automated Transportation (CAT) deals with CAVs, which are vehicles capable of driving on their own with limited or no human involvement in navigation and control. Per the definition adopted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are six levels of automation (Levels 0-2: driver assistance and Levels 3-5: HAV), each of which requires its own specification and marketplace considerations.


Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) and Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs)

For traffic safety, vehicle-to-everything communications is the wireless exchange of critical safety and operational data between vehicles and anything else. The "X" could be roadway infrastructure, other vehicles, roadway workers or other safety and communication devices. ATSSA members are at the forefront of these technologies, and are working with stakeholders across new industries to see these innovations come to life.


Sensor Technology

CAVs rely on three main groups of sensors: camera, radar, and Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR). The camera sensors capture moving objects and the outlines of roadway devices to get speed and distance data. Short- and long-range radar sensors work to detect traffic from the front and the back of CAVs. LIDAR systems produce three-dimensional images of both moving and stationary objects.


For more information about ATSSA’s efforts on CAT and CAV’s and their interaction with our member products check out the resources below.




Resources

Pam
/ Categories: Autonomous Vehicles, Connected Vehicles

ATSSA continues work on traffic signals membership segment

Work continues on incorporating traffic signals into the Association’s activities to advance roadway safety. In 2019, ATSSA formed a Traffic Signals Committee and new membership category during its Midyear Meeting to ensure that the Association is representing all sectors of the roadway safety infrastructure industry and areas related to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). It also will allow ATSSA to move forward with new partnerships with traffic signal installers and manufacturers.

Thus far, the committee has formed a liaison subcommittee, membership subcommittee, a training and education subcommittee, government relations and reauthorization subcommittee, and an MUTCD Notice of Proposed Amendments Task Force.

The new Traffic Signals Committee will focus on issues and innovations related to these devices and enhance traveler safety by embracing new technology solutions, such as connected vehicle infrastructure. The committee is aiming toward the goal of better funding sources for infrastructure upgrades to become “CAV ready.”

“This venture is extremely beneficial for ATSSA and its members, as traffic signals will be involved in Intelligent Transportation Systems, Connected and Autonomous Vehicles, pedestrian and bicyclist safety, and more sectors within the roadway safety infrastructure industry. CAV is a massive growth industry with huge potential for industry realignment and new business models,” said ATSSA Vice President of Member Services Donna Clark.

ATSSA is looking for businesses to join as traffic signal industry members as well as joining the committee.

Members of the committee will be able to exchange industry information and make their voice count in the roadway safety infrastructure industry, impact the direction and resolution of industry issues, and support ATSSA’s efforts to advocate and educate.

For more information, contact Clark at donna.clark@atssa.com.

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