Instituto de Telecomunicações is leading the development of next-generation vehicle communication technologies through the ROUTE 25 project, paving the way for safer, smarter, and more cooperative mobility systems.
At the heart of the project is V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) technology, which enables vehicles to communicate in real time with one another and with surrounding road infrastructure. In a simulated demonstration, researchers showed how a crashed vehicle can automatically alert all cars within an 800-meter radius. Within milliseconds, nearby vehicles receive the warning and autonomously adjust their trajectory to avoid danger.
Unlike current commercial applications, which may take seconds or even minutes to notify drivers, ROUTE 25 ultra-low-latency communication operates in milliseconds. This dramatic reduction in reaction time has the potential to significantly decrease road accidents and enhance overall traffic safety.
The system integrates roadside cameras and sensors with vehicles’ onboard computers, creating a cooperative mobility network in which vehicles share sensor data and make joint decisions. Whether at intersections or highway entrances, this distributed intelligence allows for coordinated responses to complex traffic scenarios.
Although approximately two million vehicles in Europe are already equipped with V2X capabilities, this represents only a small fraction of the continent’s 300 million vehicles. Researchers estimate that once around 20% of vehicles are connected, the network effects will generate substantial safety improvements at scale.
ROUTE 25, an Agenda for Autonomous, Intelligent, Interoperable, and Inclusive Mobility, is coordinated at the Instituto de Telecomunicações by Joaquim Ferreira. The initiative aligns with Europe’s broader goals for digital transformation, road safety, and sustainable transport.
By advancing cooperative intelligent transport systems, ROUTE 25 positions Portugal at the forefront of mobility innovation and contributes to a safer, more connected future for European roads.
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