In the fast-evolving landscape of transportation technology, SETO Project (Smart Enforcement of Transport Operations) aims at enhancing road safety and efficiency through both innovative technologies and smart ways to enforce existing transport regulations. By focusing on vehicle overloading and real-time vehicle data sharing, SETO aims to address critical issues that impact infrastructure integrity, fleet management, road safety, and environmental protection. ZF Group is proud to be an integral part of this initiative, contributing through its Weigh-In-Motion (WIM) systems in cooperation with Research Driven Solutions, and Transport Data sharing solutions, together with Urban Waterway Logistics.
Weigh-In-Motion (WIM) Technology
Vehicle overloading poses significant safety hazards and infrastructure damage, creating unfair competition among freight operators and potential threats for both uman lives and the environment. SETO is testing two tamper-proof, efficient, and cutting-edge approaches to enforce legal weight limits:
- Low-Speed Weighing Stations and WIM Systems
This approach leverages existing low-speed weighing stations along with pilot tests using Weigh-In-Motion (WIM) systems. These systems collect data on moving vehicles, which is then compared to reference values from static scales. This validation ensures the accuracy of WIM systems for dynamic weight enforcement.
- Onboard Vehicle Weighing Systems
ZF’s involvement in this project focuses on onboard WIM systems equipped with accelerometers. Here, SETO is developing a system that transmits weight data directly to a platform for analysis. This system will use a new algorithm to estimate weight based on factors like road profile.
Here’s a breakdown of this innovative approach:
- Vehicle Equipment: Vehicles are fitted with accelerometers for movement measurement and GPS for location tracking.
- Road Profile Mapping: Combining these measurements with machine learning and vehicle-specific equations (taking into consideration features like size, shape, etc.), the system maps the road profile the vehicle is traveling on.
- Weight Estimation: By comparing road profiles from different vehicles, the system estimates each vehicle’s weight.
- Data Transmission and Processing: ZF’s IoT devices transmit the collected data to a central platform for analysis, ultimately calculating the vehicle’s estimated weight.
This groundbreaking method promises a dynamic and comprehensive way to monitor vehicle weight while on the fly and its interaction with the road – i.e., the impact on infrastructure. This will ultimately enhance road safety and legal compliance.
Transport Data Sharing
The second facet of ZF’s collaboration with SETO involves real-time vehicle data sharing, aimed at optimizing fleet management. This initiative tests both hardware and software to provide comprehensive visibility into numerous data points:
- Real-Time Vehicle Tracking: Monitors vehicle location, routes, and driving/resting times, helping avoid driver disputes over time and pay. Also, dispatchers can plan loading and unloading tasks more efficiently with clear visibility on drivers’ remaining work hours, resulting in a more efficient planning of logistics flows.
- Automatic Data Readout: Regular automatic readouts and archiving of tachograph and driver card data simplify compliance and highlight service time infringements.
- Integrated Systems: Truck navigation, onboard computer for document management, and mobile apps for document signing and scanning streamline operations to simplify administrative procedures and allow for paperless processes.
- Environmental Monitoring: Provides an overview of average consumption, idling, and CO2 emissions.
- Comprehensive Integration: Integrates with various back-office and external systems for a comprehensive overview.
This project involves DGH, Thienpont Log, OVB, V Vl, and UWL, with software installed and deployed for planners and relevant staff. Most hardware installations are complete, and staff training is underway, preparing for the upcoming data integration with the central SETO platform.
A significant leap forward in smart transportation
ZF’s collaboration with SETO represents a significant leap forward in smart transportation operations, from a fleet management perspective. These initiatives not only promise improved road safety and regulatory compliance but also pave the way for a smarter, more efficient and sustainable transportation ecosystem.
We invite stakeholders, experts, and the public to share their comments and insights. Your feedback is crucial as we integrate these technologies and work towards a better future in transportation and logistics operations.
