Connected truck to improve communications in emergencies

A new type of vehicle for emergency situations was displayed at CSIRO’s research and innovation event Data61 D61+ LIVE in Sydney on 30 March.

The Emergency Services Integrated Communications (ESIC) vehicle is based on a Hino 700 Series SS 2848 and acts like a mobile command and control centre that can identify hazards and link agencies and communities, supplying up-to-date information for everyone involved in an emergency situation.

The connected truck houses technology that can gather a wide array of data to monitor and provide predictive modelling of floods, fires and other emergency crisis situations.

The National Safety Agency (NSA) worked with Cisco and Australian government departments to develop the vehicle.

NSA President Des Bahr, director of the ESIC project, said the reliability of the Hino 700 Series prime mover was a key factor in the vehicle’s effectiveness.

“Reliability is paramount as the truck is an all-agency, all-hazard approach,” said Bahr.

“Agencies rely on us to provide vital assistance, intelligence and capability in crisis situations. Choosing the Hino truck was an important decision that enables us to get our technology to an emergency in a safe and timely manner.”

Data61 CEO Adrian Turner said the ESIC vehicle promotes Australian innovation and collaboration at its best.

“Hard science has gone into the underlying technology that drives the systems on board the ESIC, and the application of this vehicle is a perfect example of what innovation is about,” said Turner.

Image caption (top and bottom): National Safety Agency President Des Bahr (left) and Data61 CEO Adrian Turner with the Hino-based Emergency Services Integrated Communications (ESIC) vehicle. ©Hino Australia.