Data61 and Seeing Machines win as TMR gains more gongs
Operations involved in advanced data analytics and a driver safety innovation were amongst the winners at the Intelligent Transport Systems Australia (ITS Australia) National Awards.
Data61, the tie-up between the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and National Information and Communications Technology Australia (Nicta) took out the research award for its Advanced Data Analytics in Transport (ADAIT) research effort that aims to provide reliable estimation of origin-destination traffic flows to assist with modelling and simulation in large-scale urban networks.
Seeing Machines won the industry award for its driver distraction and fatigue intervention technology, an intelligent driver safety system for commercial fleets.
In what is becoming a stellar year for the state regulator, Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) nailed the government award for its real-time travel information system incorporated across TransLink’s southeast Queensland network.
TMR performed strongly in this year’s Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Australia (CILTA) awards.
On an individual level, Andrew Garrett was awarded the Max Lay lifetime achievement award for his service to transport in Australia over the past four decades.
Garrett, who has been active in the ITS community in Australia and overseas, as well as a serving as an ITS Australia board member at various stages across the past 25 years, is primarily known for his invention of the first defined ‘school zones’ and for a number of other systems including the first dynamically variable speed limits introduced into Australia in the 1990s.
“Over the past 40 years, I have endeavoured to enhance the efficiency and safety of Australia’s transport by the appropriate use of technology,” he says.
“It is a great honour to see my work recognised by this lifetime achievement award – something which furthers my passion for delivering community benefits by using transport technologies and which I hope may motivate others.”
Meanwhile, Timothy Scott won the young professional award winner, with certificates of achievement going to Yan Xu and Dean Reading.