Unique data for automotive and road maintenance: Vaisala Xweather to add NIRA’s connected car data to their road condition platform

Winter road with data points
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Press Releases

Vaisala
Press release
November 12, 2024

Unique data for automotive and road maintenance: Vaisala Xweather to add NIRA’s connected car data to their road condition platform

Vaisala Xweather and NIRA Dynamics are the first to release an integrated data set which connects road weather forecasts and computer vision observations with real-time connected car data.

Vaisala Xweather, the leading weather partner for the automotive and road maintenance sectors, has today announced a partnership with NIRA Dynamics for the release of an advanced data set. The integrated data set introduced into Vaisala Xweather’s platform connects advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) based road weather forecasting models with NIRA Dynamics’ billions of data points gathered from connected cars.

"Partnering with NIRA Dynamics aligns seamlessly with our mission to connect road users, automotive manufacturers, and maintenance teams through data," said John Liljelund, Director, SaaS at Vaisala Xweather. "We are only beginning to explore the full potential of the data set and this collaboration – the opportunities for automotive innovation, increased safety, and operational efficiency are limitless."

The future of driving is fueled by data

The future of driving is going to be heavily dependent on more accurate and real-time road weather and road condition data as the availability of autonomous and assisted driving features are highly influenced by the driving conditions. Currently, as seen in many Electric Vehicles (EVs), the assisted driving functionalities are disconnected to secure driver safety based on crude weather and road condition estimations, such as a temperature drop to under 4 degrees Celsius or a change in tire rolling resistance.

Real-time data from connected vehicles on tire grip, road friction, surface quality, and weather conditions combined with leading industry-specific weather forecasts create an aggregated data set with multiple use cases already today. Examples of these are reducing the likelihood of accidents by increasing the autonomous and assisted driving features’ availability in poorer road weather conditions, enhancing the condition of the road network with computer vision analysis of defects and assets, and minimizing resource consumption, such as the overuse of salt in winter road treatments benefiting all road users.

Third-party data brings future opportunities

The integration of connected car data from NIRA Dynamics into Vaisala Xweather’s platform will pave the way for future partnerships in road safety and condition data. Utilizing third-party data from various sources, Xweather is currently looking into opportunities for example in EV range optimization, road asset management, the insurance sector, and reducing road accidents through road condition alerting.

“At NIRA Dynamics, we are focused on creating safer, more efficient travel solutions," said Lisa Åbom, CEO of NIRA Dynamics. “With Vaisala Xweather, we can offer access to road weather data which helps road maintenance professionals, automotive manufacturers, and navigation providers become future-proof. We all understand the impact of weather on road safety, and with Vaisala Xweather, we are pushing the industry forward."

By harnessing real-time connected vehicle data and advanced road weather models, and combining it with insightful visualizations, this collaboration will lay the groundwork for future advancements in road safety, efficient maintenance, and the expansion of autonomous driving technologies.

More information for the media:

Katri Koponen, Communications Manager, Vaisala
Tel. +358 50 586 0262
[email protected]

About Vaisala

Vaisala is a global leader in measurement instruments and intelligence for climate action. We equip our customers with devices and data to improve resource efficiency, drive energy transition, and care for the safety and well-being of people and societies worldwide. With almost 90 years of innovation and expertise, we employ a team of over 2,300 experts committed to taking every measure for the planet. Vaisala series A shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki stock exchange.

vaisala.com

Vaisala Xweather brings weather confidence to decision-makers in every weather-sensitive business. By combining unique measurement data, advanced AI models, and actionable insights, Xweather data and software solutions transform weather challenges into opportunities to optimize safety and efficiency while improving resilience against severe weather and climate change.

xweather.com

About NIRA Dynamics:

Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Linköping, Sweden, NIRA Dynamics is at the forefront of sensor fusion and vehicle data cloud services. Specializing in the creation of cost-effective safety, navigation solutions, and big data services, NIRA is revolutionizing the global automotive industry and aiding the road maintenance sector. NIRA's innovative solutions are trusted by leading automotive manufacturers and enterprises, including Audi, Volkswagen, Honda, Volvo, Stellantis, Renault, and Geely.

NIRA is dedicated to delivering solutions that enhance the safety, performance, and intelligence of ADAS and AVs.

niradynamics.se

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