Adapt, Evolve, Innovate - The Key to ITS Success

Many “players” have been involved in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) for a long time, beginning in earnest with the USDOT Vehicle Infrastructure Integration (VII) program. Each player has a vision for their role in the future of ITS. In recent years, with the declining economy and more conservative investments in technology research, the ITS landscape has changed. Players have had to adapt, evolve and innovate to stay relevant in the ever-changing ITS puzzle. This paper presents the story of one such ITS technology evolution. From the 2008 World Congress demonstration success of a Cooperative Pedestrian Warning System, to a stand-alone prototype Universal Pedestrian Warning System, to a new Infrastructure Basic Safety Message (BSM) Generator in support of vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) safety applications being showcased at the 2011 World Congress on ITS, the key to success has been adapt, evolve and innovate.