IoT-enabled technologies for smarter roads

IoT is a gamechanger for the future of driving, with leading automotive companies creating safer, more efficient, and sustainable transportation through connected vehicles and intelligent infrastructure.

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Driving the future: IoT-enabled technologies for smarter roads

Article

 IoT

From connected cars to intelligent traffic management systems, the future of driving is being reshaped by the power of IoT, promising a safer, more efficient, and sustainable transportation ecosystem. Leading automotive companies are at the forefront of this transformation, leveraging IoT to create innovative solutions for connected vehicles and intelligent infrastructure. 

Electrification

Tesla, General Motors, Ford, Volkswagen

These companies are heavily investing in electric vehicle (EV) technology and plan to transition a significant portion of their fleets to electric power in the coming years.

Autonomous driving

Waymo (Google), Tesla, Uber, General Motors (Cruise)

These companies are leading the charge in developing autonomous driving technologies, aiming for Level 4 and Level 5 autonomy in the near future.

Connected cars

BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota

Integrating advanced connectivity features like 5G, IoT, and AI to provide seamless communication between vehicles, infrastructure, and users.

Sustainability initiatives

Volvo, BMW, Honda
These companies are focusing on reducing their carbon footprints through sustainable manufacturing processes, the use of recyclable materials, and efforts to achieve carbon neutrality.

Mobility as a Service (MaaS)

Ford (Ford Smart Mobility), BMW (ReachNow), Toyota
Developing MaaS solutions that provide integrated, flexible, and user-centric transportation services.

Advanced safety features

Subaru, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz
Implementing advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) such as automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control to enhance vehicle safety.

Revolutionising road infrastructure

Across diverse national markets, IoT integration in road infrastructure is tailoring smart, adaptive systems to local needs, transforming highways into responsive networks that adjust to real-time conditions while respecting regional specificities.

Enhanced road safety
Locally-tailored IoT sensors and V2X systems enable region-specific vehicle-to-infrastructure communication, alerting drivers to hazards unique to each domestic market, thus improving road safety across diverse geographical areas.1

Optimised traffic management
Multi-domestic IoT traffic systems analyse real-time data, adjusting to local traffic patterns, and suggesting alternative routes to drivers, effectively reducing congestion and improving urban mobility.2

Efficient road maintenance
IoT-powered predictive maintenance adapts to varied climate conditions and infrastructure standards across nations, detecting issues before they escalate. This leads to substantial cost savings and improved efficiency in road maintenance operations.2

Role of IoT sensors, connectivity, and data analytics

Multidomestic IoT ecosystems integrate locally-optimised sensors, region-specific connectivity solutions, and culturally-aware data analytics to form smart transportation systems tailored to diverse national needs.

IoT sensors
Smart traffic lights with IoT sensors detect traffic flow patterns and adjust signal timing to optimise traffic movement and reduce congestion.2

Connectivity
 Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication systems leverage 5G connectivity to enable real-time information exchange between vehicles and infrastructure, enhancing road safety and traffic efficiency.2

Data analytics
Advanced data analytics and AI algorithms transform the vast amounts of raw data collected into actionable insights, enabling predictive maintenance, traffic optimisation, and improved urban planning. 

Global impact of IoT-enabled automotive solutions

Revolutionising transportation worldwide, IoT-enabled automotive solutions drive efficiency, safety, and innovation, tailored to local transportation needs worldwide.

Intelligent transportation networks worldwide
Singapore's Smart Mobility 2030 strategy integrates intelligent transport systems for real-time traffic management and autonomous vehicle trials, creating comprehensive urban mobility. Moscow has successfully reorganised traffic flow on approximately 80% of its extensive network of roads and streets over the past decade with Mobility as a Service (MaaS).3

Sustainable and eco-friendly solutions
IoT is pivotal for sustainable transportation by optimising EV charging infrastructure across various regions to efficiently manage power distribution and support renewable energy. Additionally, IoT-powered smart traffic systems tailored to local conditions help reduce urban congestion and vehicle emissions, fostering cleaner, more efficient cities worldwide.

Future trends and innovations
Advanced autonomous driving systems, enhanced by region-specific sensors and AI, are bringing us closer to fully self-driving vehicles. Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) communication is also transformative, allowing electric vehicles worldwide to draw power from local grids and supply it back, balancing energy demands and supporting renewable energy integration across different regions.

Your trusted partner for a strategic expansion

Expanding IoT-enabled automotive solutions in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. The region's diversity in terms of economic development, technological readiness, and regulatory environments makes it a complex market to navigate.

Challenges of expanding in APAC

Diverse regulatory environments
Each country in the APAC region has its own set of regulations governing automotive technologies, data privacy, and telecommunications. Navigating this complex regulatory landscape requires in-depth local knowledge, emphasising the importance of understanding the local context.

• Varying levels of existing infrastructure
The region includes highly developed urban centres with advanced technological infrastructure and rural areas with limited connectivity. Solutions need to be scalable and adaptable to work effectively across this spectrum.

• Cultural differences in technology adoption
Attitudes towards new technologies, particularly in areas like autonomous driving or data sharing, can vary significantly across the region. Solutions need to be sensitive to these cultural nuances.

• Economic disparities 
The wide range of economic conditions across APAC countries means that solutions must be cost-effective and offer clear value propositions to gain widespread adoption.

Opportunities of expanding in APAC

Rapidly growing automotive markets
Countries like China and India represent enormous and growing automotive markets, offering significant potential for IoT-enabled solutions.4

Increasing government investments
in smart city initiatives

Many APAC countries are investing heavily in smart city technologies, creating opportunities for integrated IoT solutions in urban transportation systems.

Rising demand for connected and
autonomous vehicles

As consumers become more tech-savvy, there's growing interest in advanced vehicle technologies across the region.

Need for improved transportation efficiency
Many APAC cities face severe traffic congestion issues, creating a strong demand for smart traffic management solutions.

Enhanced cyber security monitoring

Singtel, in collaboration with Bridge Alliance’s extensive network of 35 tier-one mobile operators, offers:

Seamless multi-market connectivity: Singtel simplifies the deployment of IoT devices across multiple markets, reducing the need for separate agreements and eSIM models for each country. This means one contract, one billing party, and one delivery partner, significantly cutting operational complexity and time to market.5

Efficient and reliable service: Our framework ensures smooth and efficient rollout programs, as evidenced by the successful deployment of connected cars across APAC and for a leading multinational automotive manufacturer headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. This efficiency allows for rapid expansion and swift entry into new markets.

Innovation and revenue opportunities: With Singtel as your partner, you can quickly introduce new services, such as infotainment for connected cars, creating new revenue streams for OEMs and their telco partners.5

Comprehensive IoT expertise: By incorporating advanced IoT technology, Singtel ensures robust, scalable, and secure connectivity solutions, tailored to meet the evolving needs of businesses in the region.

Proven success stories: Navigating the complex Asia Pacific regulatory and communications landscape was a significant challenge for a European automotive company launching its connected car program. To roll out across 13 countries, the company adopted Singtel's Multi-Domestic Connectivity Solution.

Renowned automotive company BYD overcame obstacles and expanded its connected vehicle strategy in APAC by leveraging cutting-edge IoT technologies, ensuring seamless connectivity, compliant data management, and API integration.

Partner with Singtel to expand in APAC and experience the benefits of seamless connectivity, operational efficiency, and innovative service deployment.

References:

  1. Ignitec, IoT in the automotive industry: driving the future of connectivity and efficiency, (year: na)
  2. Telnyx, Real-world applications of IoT for traffic monitoring, 2024
  3. Tomorrow. city, Why, two decades on, Singapore’s intelligent transport system is considered the best in the world, 2024
  4. IoT analytics, IoT market update: enterprise IoT market size reached $269 billion in 2023, with growth deceleration in 2024, 2024
  5. Capacity, GCAs 2022: where are they now? Bridge Alliance, Singtel and Ericsson, 2023

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