Isuzu eyes connected future

Isuzu Australia Limited says its telematics packages, Isuzu Connect and Isuzu Connect Plus, represent just the beginning of the benefits of a connected future, where vehicles will be in constant communication with each other, with people, and with all manner of road transport infrastructure.

Isuzu launched its telematics offering in October 2014, the system allowing fleet managers, operators and drivers to access a wealth of data in real time around the clock, from pinpointing a truck's location to its fuel economy, engine diagnostics and more.

For the 2016 Isuzu has added a messaging function to its telematics platform, affording two-way communication between a driver and his or her base.

Isuzu says the voluntary introduction of electronic work diaries, announced recently by the National Transport Commission, will accelerate the uptake of telematics.

While the roll-out of EWDs isn't expected until later next year, Isuzu says preparations are well underway to embrace EWDs when they finally do become available – thereby removing the administrative burden of the existing paper diaries and benefitting drivers by alerting them when rest periods are required.

Currently drivers of heavier trucks operating more than 100 kilometres from their base are required to keep a work diary.

Looking beyond EWDs, Isuzu says V2I (Vehicle to Infrastructure) technology will, for example, allow a driver to alter his speed to match the green phase of upcoming traffic lights, while V2X (Vehicle to Everything, incorporating Vehicle to Infrastructure and Vehicle to Vehicle communication) will truly unlock a massive array of benefits.

As an example, V2X will allow a driver to choose a route that automatically avoids traffic congestion or an accident, while the V2V component will alert a driver to an impending collision. Using Bluetooth connectivity, a driver could be alerted to a potential collision with anyone carrying a mobile phone, such as pedestrians and cyclists.

V2X effectively lays the groundwork for autonomous driving, which experts are saying could potentially be with us in the next 10 years.

All these technologies have the scope to significantly improve fuel economy, efficiency and safety, once the connected technology frameworks are in place.

Australia is well placed for the uptake of such technology once it becomes available – Adelaide recently hosted the International Driverless Cars Conference and the South Australian Government already has a bill before it to permit real-world testing of autonomous vehicles on the state's roads.

South Australia is also home to Cohda Wireless, a company at the forefront of autonomous driving technology on the world stage.

As companies like Cohda lead the way, intelligent, V2X technology looks certain to be an inevitable part of our transport future, and a precursor to the autonomous vehicles of tomorrow that may well follow.