When approaching a junction an internet-connected vehicle will request information from the traffic computer that controls lights in a given area.
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This stress could soon be a thing of the past because traffic lights will soon be “talking” to cars.
This announcement follows the news that carmakers are working on introducing vehicle to vehicle communications (V-to-V) which would allow cars to “talk” to each other in a move to reduce traffic accidents and relieve road congestion.
Audi has partnered with Traffic Technology Services (TTS) for this first V2I technology.
Timer lights in Edithvale VIC, 1977. The feature integrated with the auto system can receive real-time information from TTS servers and traffic light infrastructure across the city.
“This is our foray into V-to-I”, Pom Malhotra, general manager of Audi’s connected vehicles division told Reuters. These improvements could lead to better overall efficiency and shorter commuting times. Company executives hinted that future versions of the system could be linked to a car’s navigation system or its stop/start functions. The company also confirmed that they are planning on putting this technology in some of the Q7 models next year. So, you will have to shell out $199 for 6 months or $750 for 30 months to avail this feature. For instance, an app called EnLighten gives audio alerts when traffic lights are about to change.
This feature is going to represent the first step of Audi’s vehicle to infrastructure program. Moreover, since, it connects directly to traffic servers, you can expect it to be more accurate than an app.
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Audi has said that it will be initially rolling out its V-to-I technology fitted models in five to seven cities in the U.S., with cities to be switched on one at a time. The vehicles in question will also start rolling out to some major cities in the U.S.
