Ouster is here at Intertraffic displaying its Lidar solutions. “We’re a relatively young company,” says Itai Dadon, VP smart infrastructure. “We’re at the beginning of a journey to become an integral part of the global ITS industry. And it’s wider than ITS: Lidar is extremely useful in public transport, ITS, parking and tolling.”
Dadon sees part of his company’s role as educational: “It’s very important, a fundamental part. What is a Lidar? People are always very keen to hear about new technology and innovation – but they need to understand the ‘why?’”
Essentially, Lidar detects by sending out laser pulses: it can be used to track multiple objects, create digital twins, or enable connected vehicle programmes. One of the products Ouster is showing here is to warn car drivers that a pedestrian is crossing the road. When a person enters a specific area of the pavement to cross, lights flash in the road.
“It’s a preventative way of protecting people when they’re about to cross the street,” Dadon says. “Not when they’re crossing the street. A lot of people here at Intertraffic are on a mission to save lives. Obviously, there’s a business to make but they’re also passionate about the social, environmental and economic aspects: we’re talking in three dimensions. And these three dimensions are not independent silos.”
They can all intersect to create benefits, he believes. “And when we’re not talking about the technology, that’s when the magic happens!”
He is impressed with his experience of Intertraffic Amsterdam. “There is deal-making going on every 10 minutes,” he says. “It’s been fantastic – we’ve rebooked for the next one.”
Stand 07.415
