America’s intelligent transport system market could soon be within reach of local automobile and electronics firms following the selection of Hsinchu-based Industrial Technology Research Institute as a participant in a U.S. government-sponsored car safety program.
“Being chosen for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s IntelliDrive research project is a major breakthrough,” said Chiang Tsun-chieh, director of the ITRI’s Division for Telematics and Control Systems, Oct. 12. “Taiwan’s dominance in the global information communication technology sector and vast Asian market were probably two major reasons for the decision.”
Backed by the Department of Industrial Technology under the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the ITRI is one of eight contractors taking part in the program, with others coming from Australia, Israel and the U.S.
Under the terms of the deal, the ITRI will supply a telematics device based on its next-generation vehicle communication technology for USDOT certification. Once the unit is certified, which should take place by April 30, 2011, it will be eligible to support a pilot IntelliDrive deployment.
Chiang said the ITRI plans to transfer technical know-how to local ICT firms, which can then use this to tap into the U.S. telematics market. “Our next challenge will be to design a workable manufacturing process for mass production.”
According to the Taipei-based Market Intelligence and Consulting Institute, the global telematics sector will grow from US$8 billion this year to US$20 billion by 2012.
The IntelliDrive initiative uses wireless technology to make surface transportation smarter, safer and greener. System applications include preventing crashes through driver advisories and warnings, managing transportation signals by adjusting traffic signals and helping travelers avoid traffic by providing real-time information. (JSM)
Write to Meg Chang at meg.chang@mail.gio.gov.tw