Sweden-based Veoneer, the electronics business spin-off of Autoliv, and Sweden-based Ericsson, a multinational networking and telecommunications company have participated in the demonstration of the geofencing technology in an urban environment in Stockholm, Sweden.

Geofencing refers to a geographic zone where the entry, speed and fuel use of connected vehicles can be controlled digitally. In 2017, the Swedish government initiated a project to create safer, more climate-smart cities using geofencing technology. The participants in the project, led by the Swedish transport administration, include the city of Gothenburg, the city of Stockholm, Veoneer, Scania, Volvo Cars and Volvo Group.

With the digitization of the cities’ infrastructure and vehicles, connected vehicles can make transport more efficient with improved road safety and reduced climate impact. Geofencing can also play a role in ensuring that cities are better equipped to deal with hostile vehicle attacks.

Ola Bostrom, VP Research & Patents, Veoneer said, “Geofencing is a tangible step toward smart cities. Our current driver assistance systems complement the driver’s senses, saving lives by reducing the number of traffic accidents. As cars become autonomous, the technology in the vehicles will need to be complemented with geofencing infrastructure. This will make the traffic environment safe.”

Asa Tamsons, senior vice president and head of business area technology & emerging business at Ericsson said, “Geofencing is a crucial part of intelligent transport systems, giving traffic authorities the power to make our cities safer and greener. The showcase by Veoneer and Ericsson demonstrates secure exchange of data between vehicles and digital traffic infrastructure within a geofenced traffic zone. With 5G, travel will become even safer and more efficient with networks automatically prioritising mission-critical communication between intelligent vehicles and infrastructure.”

Also read: Autoliv’s new spin-off electronic company to be called Veoneer