NIRA Dynamics delivers information on pavement quality and road damage to Trafikverket

The Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket) has selected NIRA
Dynamics in an innovation procurement for the development and demonstration
as well as the purchase of a service that enables the collection of
information on pavement damage using connected vehicles.

As digitalization accelerates, the ability to obtain higher quality
information about road infrastructure has increased. This can provide
valuable data to the Trafikverket and contribute to more sustainable and
cost-effective road maintenance.

“With the collection of anonymized vehicle data from connected vehicles, we
should be able to achieve better decision-making and thus better road
maintenance,” says Fredrik Lindström, national coordinator for road surface
measurements at Trafikverket.

In 2022, Trafikverket launched the Connected Road Surface Measurements
project to develop, test, and evaluate the possibility of using existing
sensors in ordinary connected vehicles to collect information on pavement
quality and damage. Contracts have been signed with three suppliers, NIRA
Dynamics being one of them, Mercedes-Benz and ZenseAct being the others.

“We are excited to continue collaborating with Trafikverket. After years of
helping improve winter maintenance, we can also support with data and
services that will help improve road maintenance planning all year around.”
says Lisa Åbom, CEO at NIRA Dynamics.

The innovation procurement includes development, demonstration, and purchase
of service in a single transaction. The project begins by studying damaged
areas that cannot be captured through traditional road surface measurements,
such as potholes, frost damage, and other winter damage.

“The unique aspect is that the agreement includes both the development of a
solution that does not currently exist on the market and the future purchase
of the ‘connected road surface measurements’ service for several years. By
signing contracts with multiple parties, we can both create a market and
obtain the solutions we need,” says Sirpa Lindén, Purchaser at Trafikverket
.

“Our role in the project is to assist the project management at Trafikverket
with communication and to support the suppliers’ development work through
innovation coaching. We will also ensure that experiences gained from the
project are managed through continuous reflection and learning.” says
Hawzheen Karim, Focus area leader for Sustainable Maintenance at
InfraSweden.

“We know from the Digital Winter project that innovation is much more than
technology development. It also requires the development of the needs
owner’s business/organization, regulations, knowledge, and business models
to give the needs owner the ability to use the new technology in their
operations.” concludes Anders Asp, Project manager at Trafikverket.

About NIRA Dynamics: NIRA Dynamics, established 2001 with main office in
Linköping/Sweden, is specialized in sensor fusion and vehicle data cloud
services. NIRA develops cost efficient safety and navigation solutions for
the global vehicle industry, as well as big data services for the road
maintenance industry. Among the customers are Audi, Volkswagen, Honda,
Volvo, Stellantis, Renault, and Geely. To learn more about NIRA, visit:
www.niradynamics.se

About Trafikverket: Trafikverket is responsible for the long-term planning
of the integrated transport system, as well as the construction, operation,
and maintenance of state roads and railways. Our vision is that everyone
gets around smoothly, sustainably, and safely. Approximately 10,000
dedicated employees work at Trafikverket, who together contribute to
societal development through their various roles and expertise. To learn
more about Trafikverket, visit: www.trafikverket.se

About InfraSweden: InfraSweden is one of 17 Strategic Innovation Programs,
with funding from Vinnova, The Swedish Energy Agency and Formas. The program
works to strengthen the innovation capacity within the transport
infrastructure, organizes open calls for innovations within the sector and
acts as a node where different actors collaborate. To learn more visit:
www.infrasweden.nu