In a bid de reduce waiting times at red lights and thus decrease fuel consumption and emissions, Audi has developed a revolutionary system dubbed Travolution. It enables communication between traffic lights and cars in order to synchronize them.
To do this, the traffic light sends a signal in the car's direction, indicating how much time is left on a green light. The vehicle then uses the distance separating it from the light to calculate the speed at which it needs to travel in order to avoid the red light.
The suggested speed is displayed on the communication system's screen. The driver can then adapt his response and avoid the red light.
Conversely, Travolution also allows vehicles to transfer information to the traffic lights. By collecting data from many vehicles, the lights can adapt themselves to the traffic and optimize its flow.
The Travolution system is currently being tested in Ingolstadt, Germany. Forty-six "smart" traffic lights have already been installed and 50 more are on the way, along with 20 vehicles.
photo:Audi
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To do this, the traffic light sends a signal in the car's direction, indicating how much time is left on a green light. The vehicle then uses the distance separating it from the light to calculate the speed at which it needs to travel in order to avoid the red light.
The suggested speed is displayed on the communication system's screen. The driver can then adapt his response and avoid the red light.
Conversely, Travolution also allows vehicles to transfer information to the traffic lights. By collecting data from many vehicles, the lights can adapt themselves to the traffic and optimize its flow.
The Travolution system is currently being tested in Ingolstadt, Germany. Forty-six "smart" traffic lights have already been installed and 50 more are on the way, along with 20 vehicles.
photo:Audi