German carmaker, Audi, is set to roll our technology that can communicate with traffic lights.This technology is known as ‘V-to-I’ or ‘Vehicle-to-Infrastructure’ and will be made available in select 2017 Q7 and A4 models that were built after June, 2016.
Here’s how it will work:
Through the use of WiFi connectivity, a link will be established between the vehicle and the respective infrastructure. The traffic light information will then be delivered to the system installed in the vehicle. The driver will be displayed with the countdown before a red light turns to green and when it is too late to get through an approaching system.
The display would disappear in a few seconds before the light turns green so that the driver could pay attention to the road ahead.
"If you just think about the number of intersections that you pass through, and you think about the accumulated anxiety, accumulated stress that happens because of these, it's information like this," says Pom Malhotra, general manager of connected vehicles for Audi, "that allows your mind to relax and basically, say, 'All right. I have some time here. I can be doing other things instead of readying myself to jump on the accelerator.’”
“This is our foray into V-to-I. This is designed not as a safety feature but a comfort and convenience feature,” he added.
They have planned to roll out this technology in approximately 7 US cities by the end of 2016. However, the company hasn’t disclosed the city names. What remains to be of major concern is the fact that, in order to make this successful, it is essential that Audi receives cooperation from secure communications infrastructure as well as municipalities and transportation agencies. Whether they will receive it or not, is a matter that will be resolved with time.
