$1.75M Lexus SUV Uses Cell Data to Keep Drivers Safe
For the first time in Australia, a 4G network, Lexus, and the government worked together to make SUVs that use cellular data to warn drivers of potential danger.
This week in Australia, a collaborative effort between Lexus, Telstra, and VicRoads to make Victorian roads safer was announced. Using the platform of the luxurious, safe, and environmentally conscious RX450H, the powerful 4G network from Telstra, and the full cooperation of Victorian government, two safety oriented subject SUVs have been produced. All this is an Australian effort to make cars that combat traffic congestion, CO2 emissions, and overall fuel consumption.
“We’re entering a phase in our industry where these sorts of mobility solutions can only be achieved through collaborations and partnerships with traditional and non-traditional players working cooperatively with each other and in alignment with government stakeholders,” says Vesna Benns, Corporate Manager and Advanced Planner with Lexus.
Each SUV is filled with sensors (including the ones that came with the car from the factory) and other gadgets that connect them to roadside infrastructure, CCTV cameras, and the other connected RX450H. The Lexus is able to use these tools in order to sense danger and warn the driver in time to yield a reaction. For instance, with the car’s ability to use CCTV cameras through Telstra’s cellular data, the SUV can sense a possible running of a red light during the driver’s green light, and issue a warning. Early detection warnings have been seen and loved in all sorts of modern cars – but not to the extent of using live data.
“Telstra is very proud to be working with Lexus on putting together this Australia-first cellular V2X platforms,” says Telstra Labs’ Head of Technology Andrew Scott. “It was one of the first places in the world where a commercial 4G network has been useful.”
The pair of SUVs have done well, though they’ve only been on roads that the government (VicRoads) has closed off for them. Even though the Lexus’ still rely on a driver to operate, VicRoads and the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) want to make sure that everything with the high tech vehicles is kosher before public testing. With the progress they’ve made, the pair are expected for testing on public roads later this year.
“The real strength of this partnership with Telstra and Lexus is that the TAC has been able to collaborate and see the testing of use cases specific to road safety,” Remarks David Young, Senior Road Safety Specialist at TAC.
So far so good, right? But why are they worth $1.75 million a piece? Well, both cars are part of project that’s worth $3.5 million. A big part of that bill is what’s inside of the already expensive car. Though, for that kind of assurance and peace of mind, one could argue that the price of being t-boned by someone running a red light is $1.75 million worth of stress, headache, and insurance meddling. In this Lexus, a driver had that weight lifted from their shoulders. And as testing is furthered, it’s hard to tell what else these cars will be capable of predicting.
Photos: Lexus
