With an estimated 15.9 million people set to descend on the French capital this month for the Olympics, the city is preparing itself for severe traffic disruptions.
But it’s not just the Olympics, any major sporting event directly impacts the road traffic and mobility of a city, generating frustration amongst fans and residents alike. With the rise of SDVs (software-defined vehicles) however, the ability to alter this dramatically in the years to come is possible. SDVs data-first approach means they can predict and adapt to changing scenarios in real-time – enhancing logistics, user experience, safety, and sustainability.
Here are some ways they are set to improve the sports fan experience:
Easier journey to the stadium
For the uninitiated, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology enlists sensors, cameras, and wireless connectivity – like Wi-Fi, radio frequencies, LTE, and 5G – to allow vehicles to communicate intelligently with their drivers and surroundings. Currently, the average vehicle is unable to send and receive data unless they are specially equipped with communication models that enable V2X, while large-scale networks designed to enable this degree of communication have not yet been widely adopted.
However, as V2X becomes more mainstream, vehicles will be able to send alerts to others on the road as well as share data on their location and speed. These features will warn drivers about hazards and accidents up ahead, making the roads safer and easier to navigate. In terms of future Olympic games, there will be considerable benefits not least helping fans avoid delays on route and ensuring their journey to and from the venues are safe.
Seamless navigation of a new city
From high-precision mapping and real-time data processing to dynamic path planning and AI decision making, there are countless advancements in the SDV space that will enable drivers to navigate cities seamlessly. For Olympic fans travelling to the Stade de France for the first time, such features will ensure they take the fastest route, navigate congestion bottlenecks, and avoid any hazards or collisions that could impact their journey.
Chauffeured to the venue
While we are not completely there yet, SDVs are moving towards autonomous driving, in essence becoming automated chauffeurs that provide personalised, convenient, and efficient transportation. In the future they will be able to adapt to individual preferences as well as offering door-to-door service and parking themselves in designated areas. For venues hosting major sporting events, it means they will be able to optimise their parking space while sports fans will have a hassle-free journey to the stadium.
Less carbon impact
With the Paris Olympics aiming to be the greenest in the event’s history, sustainable transport plays a vital role. SDV features like eco-driven algorithms (which prioritise fuel efficiency in route planning and driver behaviour), real-time routing adjustments based on congestion, and integration of renewable energy sources like solar or wind power for charging, can all help support such initiatives.
Entertaining travel
When not in the State de France, Olympic fans will be keen to experience all Paris has to offer. For automakers, this is an opportunity to deliver personalised travel experiences that do more than just transport tourists from A to B. SDVs have a valuable role to play in enhancing a city’s tourist experience, whether that’s providing AI-guided tours of Paris or in-vehicle entertainment like interviews with athletes or recap videos of the day’s Olympic action.
Powered by connectivity
Before this incredible potential can be realised though, a comprehensive connectivity management platform must be integrated into the SDV build. Real-time navigation of host cities, personalised fan experiences, and major sustainability support all hinge on seamless, reliable communication between vehicles, infrastructure, and central control systems. To ensure this, your connectivity platform must deliver seamless data sharing and over-the-air updates as well as expert management of country specific legal systems and structures. While SDVs may not be at the stage yet to assist Paris Olympic fans, with the right connectivity platform they will have a key role in the next games in Los Angeles in 4 years time.
