Stellenbosch University’s (SU’s) Department of Civil Engineering has launched a mobile laboratory equipped with technology in the field of intelligent transport systems (ITS), which will investigate opportunities for the development of specialised applications for the transport sector.
ITS is an umbrella term for the convergence of various technologies aimed at making transport operations safer, more people-oriented, environment-friendly and efficient.
SU’s Smart Mobility Laboratory (SSML), which would provide a platform for the development of innovative and cost-effective technological applications aimed specifically for developing countries, was equipped with the latest software and hardware, traffic signal equipment, traffic information databases and transportation engineering software.
In addition, the centre would soon have live video and data feeds from the national freeway management centre.
“It thus provides an environment for outcome-based research and will be used by the university as a training and educational facility. It will also address the need [to create] a local industry in the design, construction, operation and maintenance of ITS,” the university said at the launch of the SSML, on Thursday.
The laboratory was established in partnership with several ITS role-players from both the private and public sectors, including traffic and transportation engineers, electric and electronic engineers, geographic information system specialists, mathematicians, statisticians and transport economists.
Among the laboratory’s private-sector partners were transportation engineering software provider PTV Group, navigation equipment provider TomTom and traffic control equipment provider Syntell.