Helsinki's testbed for smart mobility.

Vianova’s solution is based on MDS (Mobility Data Specification) communication protocol which enables bilateral and secure exchange of data between mobility providers and cities.

The data is stored and available in OpenStreetMap and for demonstration purposes an example application app.gatesolve.com is created. It visualises entrances and routes of last 50 meters to them. More information on the collected data and a preview service is available in the Materials and Data section.

The pilot implements a local distribution centre for parcels. The hub, operated jointly by six operators, is located next to Helsinki’s busy Baana pedestrian and bicycle corridor. It was opened on 9 June 2020. The pilot runs until the end of 2020 and during that time, companies can bring their parcels to the shared distribution centre instead of every delivery company driving into the congested city centre with their own vehicles. From there, the deliveries are coordinated resource-efficiently utilising electric bikes and other low-emission transport modes.

First, data is collected to detect road crossings. Later, the intention was to send alerts nearby drivers to prevent a potential collision but due insufficient amount of data and users, the pilot did not proceed to the next phases.

The technology can alert drivers even if the pedestrian is located behind an obstacle and the driver can’t see him. The incident data can also be used by the city itself to improve the city road safety infrastructure. Jätkäsaari Mobility Lab supports the pilot by helping in finding test users to use the application which is available both for Android and iOS. The application also utilises Helsinki’s open data to map whether road crossings are done at crosswalks or traffic lights. 

Key functionalities that were planned:

Pedestrian mode

– Road safety behavior stats to improve on-road behavior
– Real-time alert in case the user watches the smartphone when approaching a road
– Volume control – Adjusting headphones volume near roads

Driver mode

– Collision detection alert – Alert drivers on possible collision with pedestrians, even when the pedestrian is behind obstacles and the driver cannot see him
– Alerting drivers in possible collision situations
– Real-time notification when entering crowded pedestrian areas

City road safety dashboard

– Aggregated and statistical data for the city for better planning the physical infrastructure for pedestrians’ road safety (e.g. crosswalk planning, bicycle trails, traffic light optimization)