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Outline of AVG Demo '98
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 The Netherlands is participating in a large number of international studies and projects in the field of AVG. Because ensuring mobility in the long term is an extremely important topic in the Netherlands, developments are also taking place at a national level. The Dutch Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management, the research institute TNO, and the universities at Delft and Groningen are also participating in the research. Dutch companies, however, are also doing their bit for AVG. Here’s a sampling of the techniques which have been developed:
 Intelligent Speed Adapter (ISA)
FROG
CombiRoad
Underground Logistics System (OLS)
Quality Public Transport
Intelligent Speed Adapter (ISA)
 An Intelligent Speed Adapter will probably be tested in 1999 in a ‘real’ situation. ISA is an external speed limiting device, which can increase safety, particularly in residential areas.
The speed of the vehicles entering a neighbourhood with ISA, will, for example, automatically be reduced to a maximum of 30 km/hr. Beacons along the road are the basis of the system.
FROG
The Dutch company FROG Navigation Technology is bringing various vehicles on the market which can be guided by automation ("FROG’s"). These vehicles orient themselves based on ‘grids’ (FROG = Free Ranging On Grid), markings on the road surface.
The simplest application of FROG is the industrial one. Automated vehicles are being sold world-wide to handle (aspects of) transportation in factory spaces.
One step further is the handling of containers using FROG technology. The Rotterdam-based port company ECT (Europe Combined Terminal) is using this.
The Defence Ministry in the Netherlands is using the FROG vehicle MoonCat for exercises. This vehicle, which is guided by automation, is moving freely about a restricted area on the island Vlieland pulling a target behind it.
FROG was also recently introduced for public transportation. At Schiphol Airport, the ‘Parking Hopper’ transports travellers from the long-term parking area to the airport. The vehicle travels across its own infrastructure. Between a Rotterdam metro station and an industrial park the ‘Park Shuttle’ has been tested.
CombiRoad
 CombiRoad is a system for transporting containers from the Rotterdam ports to transhipment locations in the hinterland and vice versa. The system is currently being used at a test site: a type of concrete receptacle, in which semi-trailers or wagon cars with containers are led across a track.
A lateral guide is also still used.
The intention is not only to discontinue the lateral guide in practical application (much investigation has been performed in this area); whether CombiRoad can ultimately be used in the ordinary road grid is also being examined.
Underground Logistics System (OLS)
An Underground Logistics System is currently being investigated with respect to the automatically guided transportation between Schiphol Airport and, for example, the flower auction in Almere. OLS could also be a reliable and fast option for transportation for the transportation of other goods where time is of the essence.
Quality Public Transport
Within the scope of the HOV project (Quality Public Transport), the public transport company MIDNET is investigating the possibilities of having busses in Utrecht guided by automation to the final part of the platform. This will optimise both the horizontal and vertical positioning with the platform. The elderly, the physically challenged and people with prams, buggies and shopping carts will especially benefit, because it will be easier to enter and exit the vehicle. |
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