ITS Monday: Edition 20, 2025

Algorithms and terrorism: The malicious use of artificial intelligence for terrorist purposes

This link goes directly to the United Nations Office of Counter Terrorism report, but the eye-catcher for this was the news story headline, Terrorists could turn driverless cars into slaughterbots, UN warns.

“Terrorists have been observed to be early adopters of emerging technologies, which tend to be under-regulated and under-governed, and AI is no exception. Given the international linkages and cross-border implications of many technological systems, a regional and international approach becomes vital to ensure terrorists do not have the opportunity to exploit regulatory gaps that can expose vulnerabilities in AI systems. We need to build resilient governing structures that can quickly and effectively respond to and mitigate the impact of the malicious use of AI by terrorists.”

Related iMOVE article:

• Connected Vehicles: Info, Projects & Resources

Related iMOVE projects:

• Privacy and cybersecurity elements for operational C-ITS
• How cybersecurity safe is your vehicle?
• Cyber security for connected vehicles and vehicular networks

USDOT wants more self-driving cars without pedals or steering wheels

Barriers towards enhancing mobility through integrated mobility services in a regional and rural context: insights from suppliers and organisers

This academic paper is from academics at the Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies, co-authored by Haoning Xi, John Nelson, Corinne Mulley, David Hensher, Chinh Ho, and Camila Balbontin. It stems from the iMOVE project, MaaS blueprint design for regional towns and rural hinterlands, and its final report, What should MaaS be in regional towns and rural hinterlands?

The abstract:

This study explores the potential for integrated mobility services in a regional and rural context. In-depth interviews of stakeholders, including Non-Transport Providers and Transport Providers, were conducted in three regional locations in New South Wales, Australia. Findings revealed that the majority had a positive attitude towards integrated mobility services which could potentially form features of the mobility framework that are relevant to a future provision of Regional and Rural Mobility as a Service (MaaS).

Those who expressed negative attitudes commonly had concerns about subscription fees, the reality of private car dependence in rural areas, and the digital usage by older people. The paper discusses the government’s role in improving travel options which ensure equitable access to both local and regional transport services. Policy implications for necessary adjustments to the modal landscape as part of a MaaS offering, including the technology implications, are drawn.

The results provide insights into the features of mobility services provided by various stakeholders and their fit within the mobility framework.

Related iMOVE articles:

• MaaS (Mobility as a Service) in Australia
  

Digital fingerprints: The missing link to safe e-bike access in buildings

A white paper from CREDZ an AI-powered digital fingerprinting technology delivering a unique, unclonable digital ID for every individual product model or item.

“If we get this right, we will not only prevent fires and save lives but also preserve the momentum of the cycling revolution. With digital product fingerprints ensuring compliance, e-bikes can be welcomed into our buildings and cities as the low-carbon asset they are – safely and confidently, with all stakeholders’ interests protected.”

Related iMOVE articles:

• Active Transport: Info, Projects & Resources
  
• Liar, liar, e-Bikes on fire

New standard developed for emerging technology

“Rail operators across Australia are currently developing, designing, acquiring, testing and operating battery electric rail vehicles, but up until now they have lacked a standard set of requirements for the batteries’ charging infrastructure.

Now, a new Australian standard – AS 7655 Wayside Electrical Charging Interface for Low Emissions Rolling Stock – has been developed.AS 7655 provides a consistent set of requirements for the electrical charging interfaces between rolling stock and infrastructure equipment, as part of industry-wi de decarbonisation initiatives.”

Related iMOVE projects:

• Planning for the electrification of the Victorian bus fleet
• Prospects for decarbonising freight transport in Australia
• FACTS: A Framework for an Australian Clean Transport Strategy

Related iMOVE articles:

• Sustainable Transportation: Info, Projects & Resources
• Transport decarbonisation: Three difficult questions
• Drowning, not waving: Transport decarbonisation stalls in AUS

How can smart agricultural equipment accurately detect pedestrians in complex scenarios?

“Amid the rapid development of agricultural mechanization, with the widespread adoption of autonomous tractors, drones, and other equipment, real-time, precise pedestrian detection in farmland to prevent collisions between machinery and humans has become a critical demand for ensuring productivity and safety. However, existing algorithms often struggle in complex agricultural environments due to challenges such as variable lighting, dense targets, and frequent occlusions, leading to insufficient detection accuracy. How can smart devices efficiently identify pedestrians in scenarios with low-resolution images and densely packed small targets?

A study led by Associate Professor Yanfei Li from Hunan Agricultural University provides an innovative solution to this challenge. The study was published in Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering.”