Honda Research Institute USA, Inc. is developing a road condition monitoring system that uses vehicle technology, including cameras, to evaluate road conditions in an effort to detect possible hazards. With this system, Honda hopes to help road operators monitor lane marking conditions in a more frequent, efficient and cost-effective way.
The pilot program in Ohio is evaluating a system that uses GPS coordinates and sensors, such as cameras, to collect real-time road condition information that can be shared with road operators.
Honda is collaborating with the Ohio Department of Transportation and plans to start providing road condition data in early 2022, from Honda vehicles used as part of the pilot program, to help enhance the efficiency of the road maintenance operation in Ohio.
Honda Research Institute is also exploring how connected vehicles can access the anonymised data to adjust Honda and Acura Advanced Driver Assistance System’s (ADAS) perception settings, and if needed, warn drivers if lane markings are faded or are in need of repair.
In addition to lane markings, Honda Research Institute plans to expand the system’s application to monitor other types of road conditions.
Paritosh Kelkar, scientist at Honda Research Institute USA, Inc. and project leader of the road condition monitoring system, says: “Maintaining good road conditions helps keep everyone sharing the road safe. Real-time, high-accuracy roadway data captured from connected vehicles has the potential to improve the process of identifying, reporting, and more quickly repairing hazardous road conditions.”
“We regularly inspect our roadways throughout Ohio and act quickly to address any issues, like faded or damaged pavement markings, that are identified. It’s a labor-intensive process. Good pavement markings are important to the drivers of today and the vehicles of tomorrow,” adds Ohio Department of Transportation Director, Jack Marchbanks. “We’re excited to work with Honda to improve the process.”
Honda Research Institute USA, Inc. (HRI-US) conducts research to solve complex problems with direct applications to Honda’s current and future technology roadmap, and develops strategic partnerships with public and private institutions to foster innovation.
HRI-US was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Silicon Valley.
