GM Demos Vehicle-to-Infrastructure Communications

General Motors Co. is using several 2017 model Cadillac CTS sedans to test vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communications near the company’s tech center in Warren, Mich.

The program involves two specially equipped traffic lights at nearby intersections. The so-called “smart lights” send real-time data using the dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) protocol to the development vehicles, alerting them of pending light changes.

The traffic signals transmit information every second to all vehicles capable of receiving the data. This gives drivers more time to adjust vehicle speed accordingly, GM says.

To ensure the privacy of the driver, the system does not transmit a vehicle’s VIN and other identifying information. Firewalls and other measures are used to ensure the DSRC signals can’t be interfered with and are exchanged only between the vehicle and the infrastructure.

The V2I capability builds on the vehicle-to-vehicle technology GM is launching this year on the Caddy CTS. Other future applications could include warning vehicles about inclement weather, congestion or even war-zone situations.

The project, which will take four months to complete, also will test all-weather lane markings and retroreflective smart signs. The cost to upgrade each of the two traffic lights is estimated at about $10,000.