ELASTIC, coordinated by the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, describing how the innovative software architecture is making the Florence tram network smarter in real life.

Smart trams are now running through the city of Florence in Italy, as part of the innovative computing infrastructure developed by the EU-funded project ELASTIC. A set of sensors has been recently installed on three tram vehicles of the public tramway system of Florence, while three tram stops are being equipped with sensing, computation and communication capabilities, paving the way to a next-generation intelligent transport environment.

Nowadays, discussions about sustainability and urban population growth are leading to new approaches for effective mobility management in cities. By enhancing the interaction between the city infrastructure, the public tram network and private vehicles, ELASTIC works towards an integrated, safe and smart urban mobility environment, which will lead to fewer accidents, efficient traffic management and reduced maintenance costs.

Bringing together scientific and industrial players as well as the local government and the Florence tramway operator, ELASTIC is developing functionalities aligned with the vision of autonomous trams, including:
·    an advanced autonomous localization system, which provides real-time accurate positioning information even when GPS coverage is not available
·    the detection of hazardous situations in real-time to alert tram drivers and private vehicle drivers