Panasonic System Networks R&D Laboratory (PSNRD) has announced its ambitious plan to support the automated driving bus and Yumeshima Expo P&R shuttle bus operated by Osaka Metro at the Osaka/Kansai Expo by providing the innovative "ITS Smart Pole." This announcement was made on March 14, 2025, and marks a significant step forward for autonomous transport technology.
The ITS Smart Pole will be strategically installed at three locations along the shuttle bus route, enhancing communication and vehicle safety. Using state-of-the-art technology, the poles will enable real-time data gathering from areas difficult for vehicles' sensors to cover, especially blind spots and remote movements. This capability is expected to revolutionize how autonomous vehicles navigate through busy environments and offer seamless transit experiences.
With the All-Photonics Connect service providing ultra-low latency data transmission between the ITS Smart Pole and the network server, the system is poised to deliver swift communication, ensuring accurate information gets to the autonomous buses immediately. This cutting-edge technology is poised to address diverse challenges of driving efficiency and safety, providing solutions to improve public transport operations at the expo.
According to PSNRD, "ITS Smart Poles provide real-time information to support autonomous driving buses to improve operation efficiency and safety." The system not only focuses on enhanced service delivery but also considers the financial aspects of deploying such technology, aiming for sustainable and cost-effective infrastructure development.
Installation of the poles is scheduled from April to October 2025, coinciding with the operational timeline of the automated shuttle system, which aims to provide efficient transit options for visitors at the expo. This initiative is aligned with the growing demand for automated solutions to tackle various urban transportation issues.
Further enriching this development is the Integrated Control Box, independently developed by the Smart Mobility Infrastructure Technology Association (SMICIP). It allows for low-cost, compact installations of the ITS Smart Poles on existing utility poles using only one arm. This reduces setting-up costs and operational management overhead, contributing to the project's overall sustainability goals.
By utilizing ITS dedicated frequency (760 MHz) for road-to-vehicle direct communication, the system underpins safety and reliability for the buses depending on this high-tech support. With such innovations, the smart poles not only facilitate real-time information exchange but also aim to optimize the operational rhythm of autonomous services during the expo.
Experts project the deployment of this technology by the city will catalyze similar advancements across Japan, reflecting on the importance of integrating modern infrastructure with smart mobility solutions. Transportation specialists and authorities are hopeful about the technology’s future applications, which could substantially address driver shortages and improve access to mobility services.
By embarking on this initiative, Panasonic envisions not only local advancements but also contributions to national transportation infrastructure capable of supporting future demands. "Our goal is to accumulate insights for broader deployment of autonomous transport services across Japan," expressed representatives from Panasonic Connect, reinforcing the company’s commitment to paving the way for smart transportation systems.
The ITS Smart Pole project exemplifies how collaboration among technology developers, public transport services, and the community can lead to scalable infrastructure solutions. Through dedicated efforts, Panasonic aims to cultivate smart mobility infrastructure, making substantial strides toward enhancing vehicle safety and performance across the globe.
For the Osaka/Kansai Expo, the introduction of this solution is expected to inspire innovations and showcase the potential of autonomous transportation technology to transform travel experiences. The lasting impacts of such initiatives could extend well beyond the expo, influencing future transport practices across urban landscapes.
