Automatic Monitoring of Electronic Road signs towards smart roads (AutoMERS)

Electronic road signs (ERS) are today technologically advanced, with graphics and text that make it easier for road users to relate to information and alerts. However, external or internal influence of the electronic system may result in malfunction. Today, monitoring of traffic signs, including ERS, is carried out manually through periodic visual inspection by operators, and the information is subsequently stored using IT systems. In this project, the partnership will develop sensors and communication solutions for monitoring the microenvironment in the enclosures. Our goal with AutoMERS is to develop and industrialise the world's first electronic road sign monitoring system to facilitate anomaly detection and streamline maintenance.

Many ERS today are technologically advanced, with graphics and text that make it easier for the motorist to detect and implement their alerts and instructions. However, faults in the electronic system can cause ERS to malfunction, shut down or decrease their lifespan. Monitoring of traffic signs, including ERS, is currently performed manually through periodical visual inspection by operators and the information is later stored using IT systems. To our knowledge, no sensors exist today that can be placed inside ERS and monitor the microenvironment of the enclosures, specifically overheating (fire potential) or corrosion hazard. Our aim within AutoMERS is to develop and industrialise the world’s first system for monitoring of ERS to facilitate anomaly detection and streamline their maintenance. Our solution will be based on: a) a novel method to determine overheating and risk of fire from electronic devices based on detecting traces of hydrogen chloride (HCl) released by cables (containing Cl- groups) or PCBAs; b) a new method for continuous and non-intrusive monitoring of corrosion based on selected microenvironment measurements within ERS enclosures affecting the integrity of their elements; c) a new hardware product to be installed in ERS enclosures consisting of a miniature and cost-efficient sensor system that includes novel overheating and corrosion sensors, state-of-the-art (SoA) sensors for positioning, acceleration, temperature, humidity, etc. and a low-energy communication solution based on narrowband-internet of things (NB-IoT) protocols; d) a new service for remotely monitoring ERS based on intelligent AutoMERS software enabling early warning of failures while predicting maintenance needs; e) improved processes for ERS maintenance based on AI data analysis that will generate and update new knowledge on the ERS performance and lifetime.