The digital twin developed by i2CAT and Autopistas improves safety and emission control on the C-32 motorway

The i2CAT research centre and Autopistas, a subsidiary of Abertis in Spain, have successfully validated a Digital Twin on the C-32 motorway that would simultaneously improve road safety and environmental sustainability. The combined use case was demonstrated through real-time monitoring of traffic conditions on the motorway, continuously analysing data received from the infrastructure and connected vehicles to manage traffic flow and prevent potential incidents.

The demonstration, based on proactive detection of traffic congestion, enabled the Digital Twin to generate and implement a dynamic mitigation strategy: automatically recommending a speed limit of 80 km/h between kilometre points 44 and 46 on the motorway in the northbound direction. The system transmitted the recommendation instantly and simultaneously to users through two channels: the YUNEX Drive application, which connects to the vehicle via an on-board unit (OBU), and the AWAI mobile application, which Autopistas provides to road users. The correct reception on both channels enabled the system’s real-time operation to be certified, from sensorisation to the recommendation issued to drivers. 

With this demonstration, the Digital Twin validates its ability to analyse traffic in real time, generate dynamic strategies and effectively communicate recommendations to road users.

A more efficient traffic management model

The successful validation of this Digital Twin lays the foundation for a more efficient traffic management model in the future, as highlighted by the project’s research team. The measure would not only prevent potential incidents associated with traffic jams but also help reduce pollutant emissions by stabilising vehicle flow. 

“The DIMOS 5G project represents a step forward in our digitalisation and innovation strategy for mobility. The validation of the digital twin demonstrates the potential of connected technologies to offer more predictive, safe and efficient traffic management. These types of solutions reinforce our commitment to an increasingly intelligent infrastructure, capable of anticipating users’ needs and improving the driving experience in real time,” says Carlos Rivera, the project manager from Autopistas.

“The new sources of information that we can obtain along the C-32 motorway provide us with a unique opportunity to enhance the capabilities of the Digital Twin for interurban mobility, as well as to generate new components to meet emerging needs. The collaboration with Autopistas also allows us to set a technical roadmap with ambitious goals, some of which can be seen in the final demonstration of the project,” explains Bruno Cordero, researcher in the V2X research line at i2CAT.  

In the coming months, research staff will continue working on a third use case on the C-32, focusing on the development of systems for automated prioritisation of emergency vehicles in tunnels, thereby consolidating a safer, more efficient and environmentally friendly road ecosystem.

These use cases are part of the DIMOS 5G project, which is funded by NextGenerationEU European funds under the Spanish Government’s UNICO Sectorial 5G 2023 programme. The research project seeks to enable a new mobility model based on intelligent vehicle communication (5G and V2X), environmental sensorisation and the use of digital twins. In turn, DIMOS 5G continues the 6GTWINROAD research project, on which i2CAT, Autopistas, and Aimsum previously worked, and which was also funded by NextGenerationEU funds through the Spanish Government’s UNICO I+D 6G programme. Both projects also have the support of the Generalitat de Catalunya.