Intelligent Transport: The Need for Information Sharing

May 30
14:03

2024

jodie mht

jodie mht

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In April 1997, Beijing's Debao Hotel hosted China's inaugural Intelligent Transportation Conference. Qi-Xin Shi vividly recalls the event, where the President of the General Assembly emphasized that the development of intelligent transportation was not just a trend but a revolution. This article delves into the evolution of intelligent transportation in China, the challenges faced, and the critical need for information sharing to drive progress.

The Dawn of Intelligent Transportation in China

The First Conference and Initial Enthusiasm

In April 1997,Intelligent Transport: The Need for Information Sharing Articles Beijing's Debao Hotel became the venue for China's first Intelligent Transportation Conference. Qi-Xin Shi, a key figure in the field, remembers the event well. The President of the General Assembly declared that intelligent transportation was the future, marking the beginning of a new era.

The Surge of Interest from Various Industries

Following the conference, numerous companies from diverse sectors such as computer technology, communications, road infrastructure, electronics, automation, and networking expressed interest in entering the intelligent transportation field. This surge of interest highlighted the potential and broad applicability of intelligent transportation systems (ITS).

The Struggle for Sustainable Development

Early Research and Publications

In 1999, Qi-Xin Shi initiated the publication of "ITS Communication" magazine to introduce intelligent traffic conditions both domestically and internationally. Despite the initial enthusiasm, the magazine could not sustain itself and ceased publication after seven years due to a lack of formal issues.

Government Involvement and National Plans

Qi-Xin Shi consistently advocated for the inclusion of intelligent transportation in national plans. His efforts bore fruit in 2002 when the Chinese government began to support ITS at the national level through the Ninth and Tenth Five-Year Plans. However, the impact of these initiatives was limited.

The RFID Challenge

One significant challenge was the industrialization of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology. Many companies received support funds from the Ministry of Science and Technology but ended up purchasing foreign chips and conducting only secondary development. This approach resulted in a lack of core technology and hindered progress.

The Need for a National Car Computing Platform

Qi-Xin Shi's Vision

In 2004, Qi-Xin Shi proposed the creation of a national car computing platform, akin to today's car networking platforms. He believed this platform could address traffic issues and pave the way for the era of smart cars, with automotive electronics playing a crucial role. Unfortunately, his proposal did not receive the anticipated response.

The Three Layers of Car Networking

Qi-Xin Shi's design for car networking comprised three layers:

  1. Perception Layer: This includes RFID-aware systems, which many companies are already developing.
  2. Interconnection Layer: This involves the interconnection of cars, trucks, and road infrastructure.
  3. Smart Computing Layer: This encompasses cloud computing, smart scheduling, and vehicle management.

Despite progress in the perception layer, the interconnection and smart computing layers remain underdeveloped, primarily due to the lack of government cooperation.

The Role of Government and Enterprises

The Importance of Collaboration

Qi-Xin Shi emphasized that without government cooperation, enterprises would struggle to advance beyond the initial stages of car networking. The government's role is crucial in facilitating the development of the interconnection and smart computing layers.

Case Study: Wuxi's Car Networking Project

On October 28, 2020, Wuxi announced a major car networking project. The news had an immediate impact, with shares of Silver River (GEM stock code: 300020) hitting their limit the next day. This former e-commerce company, which listed on the GEM in 2009, has since made intelligent transportation its primary revenue source.

Conclusion

The journey of intelligent transportation in China has been marked by initial enthusiasm, challenges in sustainable development, and the critical need for information sharing. As the field continues to evolve, collaboration between the government and enterprises will be essential to realize the full potential of intelligent transportation systems.

Interesting Stats

  • According to the International Transport Forum, intelligent transportation systems can reduce traffic congestion by up to 30% (source).
  • A study by McKinsey & Company found that smart transportation solutions could save cities up to $70 billion annually by 2025 (source).
  • The global intelligent transportation system market is projected to reach $63.6 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 10.5% from 2019 to 2026 (source).

By understanding the history, challenges, and potential of intelligent transportation, stakeholders can better navigate the path forward and contribute to a more efficient and sustainable transportation future.