Energy Efficient Chip-Enabled Raised Pavement Markers for Connected Automated Vehicles

Autonomous vehicle (AV) suites are characterized by a high energy consumption attributed to the multitude of sensors integrated onto the vehicle. Many of these systems need a power inverter mounted on the vehicle to address the energy demands associated with their operation. Additionally, the current state of road infrastructure readiness for AVs remains inadequate1. Revision Autonomy aims to address these two problems by commercializing chip-enabled raised pavement markers (CERPMs). This energy-efficient technology can transmit road information directly to nearby vehicles and consume approximately 0.6 Watts. Utilizing this CERPM technology enables a reduction in sensors for AVs, resulting in decreased energy consumption. Moreover, it provides accurate data to automated vehicles, enhancing capabilities in perception, localization, and path planning through utilization of existing road infrastructure. During Phase I of this project, Revision Autonomy will assess the feasibility of deploying this technology in a real-world environment. In other words, we will evaluate the system's ability to accurately identify the signals in the vehicle's current lane on roads with multiple lanes. Additionally, we will address the transmission limitations of CERPM in sending extensive road information. This feasibility assessment will also help us identify technological challenges that can further be addressed in a Phase II. This technology holds potential applications in public transportation systems with fixed routes, such as buses. It can also be utilized in pilot programs and has the capability to enhance the performance of automated vehicles, including ADAS and AV systems, in tasks like localization, path planning, and perception. This contributes to decreased energy consumption by reducing sensor utilization. Its scalability makes it suitable for widespread adoption in the market. Furthermore, this technology is poised to revolutionize and promote intelligent, energy-efficient transportation systems. By improving the transportation system, CERPMs have the potential to enhance mobility for elderly individuals and those with disabilities.