The capacity of lightweight materials to reduce the transportation sector’s carbon footprint could be erased if their production isn’t efficient too. That’s why the EU-funded RECOTRANS project has developed a state-of-the-art process to manufacture composite components for cars, trains and trucks. Innovations such as these will help the EU reach its climate goals, securing a healthy environment for all citizens.
Until electric cars and other energy-efficient innovations are practical and affordable to all, the internal combustion engine will continue to be widely used, with the consequent greenhouse gas emissions. To help reduce pollution levels, EU-funded researchers have developed new laser ignition techniques, which have the potential to make combustion engines far more energy-efficient.
The development of autonomous driving systems is currently a focus of research for the automotive industry. An EU-funded project has moved work forward in this area by developing an advanced driver-assistance system that can work safely and reliably in all weathers.
Getting people to wear bicycle helmets can be tricky. Many cyclists complain that helmets are just too hot. But EU-funded researchers are now making the headgear a lot cooler, creating an extra incentive to wear it while boosting safety.
A huge EU-funded project has demonstrated how big data and artificial intelligence could transform Europe's transport sector, cutting costs and fuel consumption on road, rail, air and sea while boosting operational efficiency and improving customer experience.
EU-funded researchers have developed smart multifunctional coatings to combat corrosion on aircraft components and car parts in order to lower maintenance costs and protect the environment.
Understanding how to make sure large numbers of fast-moving self-driving cars or flying robots operate in absolute safety is crucial. EU-funded researchers have figured out how, using a unique algorithm that keeps people safe from accidents or other potential disasters.
An EU-funded project involving collaboration between top intelligent transport researchers has resulted in new developments in smart urban transport, support for emergency response vehicles and apps for smoother passenger transport across cities.
A EUR 850 000 loan extended under the InnovFin SME Guarantee Facility under the EU's Horizon 2020 programme and backed by the European Investment Fund has helped Swedish company Smart Eye secure contracts for its software that alerts sleepy drivers. As well as making roads safer, this has created jobs.
The launch of hydrogen fuel cell-powered cars is being held back by several barriers. An EU and industry-funded project removed one such hurdle by developing a prototype fuel cell that meets all industrial specifications.
