FLIR Systems has introduced a new thermal traffic sensor, FLIR ThermiCam V2X, for the emerging vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology market.

Designed for urban traffic, the new thermal sensor will enable vehicles and other traffic infrastructure to communicate and share information in a system that aims to improve road safety and efficiency.

FLIR president and CEO James Cannon said: “As car manufacturers design V2X technology into future vehicles, FLIR technology is being deployed today to ensure cities are ready for their arrival.

“By detecting pedestrians, bicycles, and vehicles in real time, while also enabling communication between vehicles and traffic infrastructure, FLIR ThermiCam V2X will play a critical role in improving the movement and safety of the world’s roadways.”

“As car manufacturers design V2X technology into future vehicles, FLIR technology is being deployed today to ensure cities are ready for their arrival.”

Designed as a crash-avoidance system, V2X technology utilises communication between nearby vehicles and traffic infrastructure to alert drivers about possible hazardous situations.

In this system, all vehicles and associated infrastructure are equipped with communication units to transmit information.

The new FLIR ThermiCam V2X can be deployed on existing traffic signals and intersections for detection using thermal imaging data and then communicates their presence along with other information from other vehicles.

It can adjust traffic signalling to prioritise the movement of emergency and public transport vehicles, thereby improving safety and traffic flow in the busy intersections.

The ThermiCam V2X sensor is expected to be available in the second half of this year.