It is estimated that more than 1.35 million people die each year in traffic accidents, with between 20 and 50 million suffering non-fatal injuries. In order to tackle this problem, Hyundai has backed Israel-based Autotalks, a provider of V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) communication solutions, and plans to fit V2X units in its cars from 2021.
The startup has been developing V2X chips, which broadcasts a car’s location, direction, and speed up to ten times per second. The technology allows the car to talk to other vehicles along with infrastructures such as traffic lights and mobile phones to help prevent pedestrians from being involved in collisions. All the other vehicles (equipped with the same system) in the surrounded area will receive messages – and each vehicle can then estimate the risk imposed by the transmitting vehicle.
Autotalks’ V2X system, which could cost as little as $100 (£75), will show the potential hazard, such as if two cars are unable to see each other on the car’s infotainment screen. In the case of self-driving vehicles, it will take direct action to prevent a crash, instead of just providing drivers with a warning.
“Our eyes are brilliant; they are as good as any camera, but we might take our eyes off the road or lose concentration, and this is where chipsets can help,” said Yaniv Sulkes, vice president of business development at Autotalks.
“Communication tools don’t need line of sight – if they detect a hazard, they can give you enough time to take the right course of action, in confidence. If you get an alert ahead of time, you can avoid the accident, and that is the underlying principle of what we do. Where there is a dangerous situation, the car will alert you to take the correct action to avoid it.“
