Zoom on the KITT research project

Let's find out about the KITT project with Ralf SIEBE, Head of Automation and Control Technology at SPIE Germany Switzerland Austria, and see how artificial intelligence and vehicle-infrastructure communication (C2X) are revolutionising tunnel safety.

A major breakthrough for more intelligent and responsive traffic management!

SPIE is part of the international consortium driving the KITT (Artificial Intelligence for the Improvement of Safety in Tunnels and Tunnel Control Centers) research project, which focuses on practical applications of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve tunnel safety. The solutions being developed combine AI and “Car to Infrastructure” communication (C2X).

C2X refers to bidirectional communication b tween vehicles, or between vehicles and infrastructure, which allows vehicles to alert one another and react in case of e.g., an emergency braking manoeuvre. Other applications include communication between vehicles and traffic lights, locating vehicles in tunnels (very valuable to fire personnel), and more accurate measures of traffic flow. The consortium is actively exploring other use cases for C2X in this area.

What is the value of the digital tools used in this project?

The KITT research project explores how AI and C2X help analyse dangerous situations to increase tunnel safety. The right traffic management can often prevent serious accidents in tunnels! These tools improve event management and mitigation, e.g. sensors that reliably detect fires and trigger alarm systems, as well as barrier mechanisms. For emergency services, this also tackles the challenge of getting a situation overview in order to provide targeted assistance.

How does this project improve your service offer?

Through KITT, SPIE is gaining early-stage experience that can already be applied to benefit customers: the algorithm, for instance, is transferable to all tunnel projects. This was showcased on the Rosenstein Tunnel in Stuttgart, which was selected as a model structure and used as a demonstrator. Overall, we gain practical insights into how AI can preventively increase safety, reduce emergency response times, and inform rescue workers.

What can we learn from the KITT project and where do you see it lead?

The basic principles being developed with German and Austrian industrial and scientific partners will, in turn, be incorporated to practical innovations. Moreover, this funded research project is under the direction of the German Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt), which performs most of the administrative work. Research projects are usually very time-consuming in terms of reporting, so cooperation via consortium are a good opportunity for SPIE to participate in funded projects with practical relevance without the administrative burden involved.