SWARCO Installs Next-Generation RSUs in Helmond's Smart Traffic Infrastructure

The challenge

As cities move toward smarter and more connected mobility systems, ensuring fast, reliable, and secure communication between vehicles and infrastructure becomes essential. Modern Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) require advanced Road Side Units (RSUs) capable of supporting multiple communication standards while maintaining the highest levels of cybersecurity. 

In Helmond, the need to modernize intelligent traffic intersections (iVRIs) was driven by the ambition to improve safety, traffic flow, and sustainability. At the same time, communication integrity and protection against cyber threats had to be guaranteed. With connected mobility evolving rapidly, the city required a future-proof solution that would reduce latency, enhance interoperability, and strengthen cryptographic security standards across its traffic infrastructure. 

The process

As part of the DITM (Digital Infrastructure for Future Mobility) project, Helmond has been testing PKI Level 0 (L0) for signing and exchanging long-range communication messages. This trial phase allowed the city to evaluate secure communication frameworks in real-world conditions. 

Building on this foundation, SWARCO is installing next-generation RSUs at three intelligent traffic intersections by April 28. These new units support triple-standard communication: long-range cellular connectivity for reliable data exchange with the Dutch nationwide UDAP platform, as well as two short-range radio standards—ITS-G5 and C-V2X. This combination ensures compatibility with a wide range of connected vehicles and services while enabling testing and integration of emerging technologies. 

Following the trial phase, Helmond will transition from PKI L0 to PKI Level 1 (L1) signed short-range communication, aligning with higher industry security standards and improving communication integrity in critical traffic scenarios. 

The solution

SWARCO’s next-generation RSUs provide future-proof connectivity and enhanced cybersecurity for Helmond’s smart traffic infrastructure. By supporting cellular, ITS-G5, and C-V2X communication standards, the system enables faster, more reliable, and low-latency data exchange between vehicles and infrastructure. This strengthens the foundation for improved road safety, smoother traffic flow, and more sustainable transport systems. 

The deployment includes PKI Level 1 security, a high-assurance cryptographic framework designed for Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS). With enhanced encryption and authentication protocols, communications are protected against cyber threats, ensuring secure and trustworthy data exchange. 

This upgrade is part of a broader collaboration between SWARCO and the municipality of Helmond to position the city as a living lab and European role model for smart mobility innovation. In the coming years, all intelligent traffic intersections in Helmond will be equipped with these advanced RSUs, reinforcing the city’s commitment to safer, faster, more convenient, and environmentally sound mobility.