Smart Systems for Transport & Mobility - Augmented information

Introduction

The main drivers and barriers identified in the EPoSS SRA are also addressed in the analysed documents.

• Drivers: “Increased functionality” is addressed in the EPoSS SRA as the main driver for Smart Systems. This corresponds with the identified advances on performance improvements such as: energy efficiency; market and societal needs such as: safety, security, comfort (e.g.: noise, vibration...) and so. Other important drivers such as “reduced cost” and “increased reliability” in the EPoSS SRA are also identified by these ETPs.
• Barriers: in the EPoSS SRA, “Fragmented supply chain” appears to be the most obstructive difficulty closely followed by “Skills shortage”. This corresponds with what was found in the analysed documents, showing that rail industry is facing increasing competitiveness and price pressures resulting in structural problems and the need to consolidate some sectors of the rail supply industry.

So, the action claimed in the EPoSS SRA: “...better understanding of the Smart Systems supply chain to achieve a better match between research approaches and manufacturing capability” is reinforced. That should be complemented with additional actions on:

• Migrating Smart Systems engagement in automotive to other transport sectors.
• Fostering the urgent action on open standards, regulations, and certification issues.

The Waterborne SRA identifies as a priority that “New developments in process automation, computer technology, sensors, smart components and communication must be applied to the maritime industry to enable the safe and efficient operation of increasingly complex vessels with a minimum of crew”.
The ERTRAC SRA identifies as a priority that “ICT is one of the key enablers for creating a safe, sustainable and efficient transport system. To create economically sustainable solutions some of the main challenges for ICT are interoperability and harmonisation as well as roll out of those systems compared to the stand alone solutions.”
Automotive electronics and progressive “smartification” of automotive systems have shown its benefits regarding some key issues identified in transport ETPs such as:

• Experiences gained in energy efficiency with ICE and Hybrid and Fully Electric vehicles should be transferred to other sectors.
• Distributed architectures, network and communication efficiency, interconnection, plug and play...

This corresponds with the following application streams derived from links:

• Safety and security related systems.
• Improved product performance, and updatable/adaptable products
• New equipment with reduced emissions, enhanced comfort and improved performance
• Management and control systems addressing safety and security, equipment health monitoring, automated or self-assessed operation, and vehicle-infrastructure interaction
• Smart Systems Integration on equipment allows key processes performance improvement: Supply chain, Retrofitting, Maintenance, and Integrated transport system management.
• Smart Systems as:

• Components of diverse service scenarios
• Enablers of new services and high performance rail infrastructures

 

Regarding research priorities, both, priority and long term actions identified in the EPoSS SRA match with some of those identified in the links.

Smart Systems have a lot to research and develop, focusing on:

• Security approach

• Get and develop information for fleet managers, drivers, and in pedestrian paths

• Remote, smart and autonomous inspection

• Smart monitoring

According to research challenges, Sensors and control/actuators offer an important research potential.

Augmented Information

• Opportunities for Smart Systems
• Sector drivers and barriers
• Technology Challenges

The following table highlights (yello) the European Technology Platforms (ETPs) involved in this sector and for which the integration of Smart Systems does represent a potential benefit and competitive advantage. It provides also access to the results of analysis of opportunities, drivers & barriers as well as technical/research challenges for the specific sector.