The Ray is moving beyond research to deploy real-time technology that makes transportation systems more responsive, durable, and safe. One of their most impactful collaborations is with Pi-lit®, a leader in roadway safety solutions with 13 years of experience developing US-made products. Together, they are converting passive highway hardware into a Roadway Ground Truth platform that alerts agencies to incidents in real time.
The Challenge: Silent Infrastructure
Safety hardware such as guardrails, crash cushions, and cable barriers is critical for protecting drivers in crashes. However, maintaining these assets across thousands of miles is a massive operational challenge. Historically, there has been no formal reporting mechanism for the status of these assets; DOTs often wouldn't know a barrier was damaged until a manual inspection or a third-party report. This lack of visibility can lead to dangerous situations in which a previously damaged crash cushion fails to provide adequate protection during a subsequent incident.
The Solution: Pi-lit® Impact Detection System (IDS™)
To bridge this information gap, The Ray partnered with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) to deploy the Pi-lit® Impact Detection System (IDS™).
How it Works: The IDS™ consists of smart, cellular-connected sensors that mount directly onto critical signage, guardrails, and cable barriers.
Real-Time Alerts: Within 60 seconds of a vehicle impact, the system sends automated SMS and email alerts to maintenance crews.
Precision Data: These alerts provide the exact location and time of unreported hits, ensuring critical hardware is repaired immediately.
Smart Features: The sensors even record their initial orientation; if a sign falls over due to an impact, the system alerts the team that the sign is no longer providing vital information to motorists.
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