External testing of C-ITS on motorways in the Czech Republic
Herman, the largest Czech manufacturer of OBU (RVU) and RSU units with its own research in the field of C-ITS, has long been involved in the design, development, and implementation of C-ITS systems and their architectures. Recently, we successfully completed two large-scale projects for the Road and Motorway Directorate of the Czech Republic (ŘSD), focused on the deployment of C-ITS components both within transport infrastructure (RSU) and in the vehicles of the motorway operator (OBU/RVU). As a result, the C-ITS system of the Road and Motorway Directorate of the Czech Republic has been expanded by more than 500 C-ITS devices. As part of these projects, independent external testing was also carried out, confirming reliable system operation, the required communication ranges, and full interoperability of the units with the central C-ITS infrastructure of ŘSD.
C-ITS as the foundation of modern transport
Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) enable real-time exchange of information between vehicles and the motorway infrastructure network. Herman OBU (RVU) and RSU units form a key communication element of this architecture, ensuring the transmission of safety events, hybrid LTE + ITS-G5 communication, and immediate driver warnings.
External testing on the D1 and D8 motorways
External testing took place from November 2025 to January 2026 on the D1 and D8 motorways and was open to registered external entities. Equipment from the SSÚD Bernartice and SSÚD Řehlovice motorway maintenance centers was involved in the testing. The testing also included expert evaluation and supervision by the Faculty of Transportation Sciences of the Czech Technical University in Prague (CTU).
For the Road and Motorway Directorate of the Czech Republic, Herman has so far delivered a total of approximately 700 C-ITS units, including OBU and RVU units for passenger, freight, and special-purpose vehicles, as well as hundreds of units for advance warning and safety trailers. A significant portion of the deliveries also consisted of RSU units.
Verified real-world operational scenarios
The testing included the generation and distribution of DENM/IVI safety messages, both autonomous and centrally managed events, and verification of correct display in the HMI.
The following scenarios were verified, among others:
- Road Works Warning (RWW-RM) from maintenance vehicles
- Hazardous Location Notification (e.g. slippery surface, stationary vehicle)
- Weather Condition Warning (alerts for adverse weather conditions)
- Warning arrow trailers – automatic event generation and driver guidance
In all cases, flawless operation of the hybrid communication was confirmed.
RSU: Stable coverage and full compatibility
Herman RSU units reliably received messages from the C-ITS Back Office and immediately broadcast them to surrounding vehicles. An exceptional outcome of the testing was the performance of Herman OBU units—the maximum distance for first message reception reached up to 2,800 meters. Such range significantly extends drivers’ reaction time and delivers a substantial increase in road traffic safety.
Conclusion
The external testing unequivocally confirmed:
- high quality and interoperability of Herman OBU and RSU units,
- 100% functionality of C-ITS message generation and reception,
- robust hybrid LTE + ITS-G5 communication,
- full integration with the central C-ITS infrastructure,
- above-standard communication ranges.
All C-ITS units developed by Herman undergo in-house development and testing. The products are manufactured in the Czech Republic and are designed with regard to current as well as upcoming European standards for intelligent transport infrastructure.
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HERMAN technologies solution moves public transport forward
Prostějov has completed a project to digitise its public transport stops. Herman Technologies has provided the city with 43 fully functional electronic displays that show departures, delays and platform numbers in real time, significantly improving passenger comfort and the efficiency of public transport.
The new displays are installed in necessary locations across the city and its districts. Thanks to highly legible LED panels and intelligent energy management, they operate reliably day and night.
What exactly did we deliver?
- 43 smart stop signs
- a combination of 3–8 lines depending on the type and importance of the stop
- ability to display the platform
- construction of new low-voltage connections from the public lighting network (VO) to power the signs
- 230 VAC power supply from VO + LiFePO₄ batteries for operation outside lighting hours
- LTE/Ethernet connectivity, automatic updates, TTS and controls for the blind
Technology you can rely on
The new signs use a combination of our ELP 183 and ELP 328 LED panels, which reliably cover the needs of smaller stops and busy transfer points. All panels offer high readability of yellow LEDs, automatic brightness control according to ambient light (min. 8 steps), industrial control PC and LTE/Ethernet connection for online data and remote management. TTS and support for blind users are a matter of course. We emphasise robustness: anti-vandal safety glass, painted stainless steel body, weatherproof sealing and design details to prevent damage in urban traffic. Power from public lighting is supplemented by LiFePO₄ storage, which maintains operation even outside lighting hours and reduces maintenance costs.
What Prostějov has gained
- Immediate orientation for passengers: overview of departures, delays, platforms
- Accessibility for all: acoustic announcements, support for the blind
- Modern digital infrastructure for future Smart City projects
- Low operating costs thanks to energy-efficient LED and battery technologies
- Uniform system of information elements across the city
What they wrote about us
The media also reported on the project. For example, the specialist portal Busportal.cz highlighted the city of Prostějov's plan to equip 18 public transport stops with new modern signs with LED information panels, which will provide passengers with up-to-date information on departures.
The article is available here: Prostějov to equip 18 stops with new modern signs
The topic was also covered by the Novinky.cz portal from the Seznam.cz group, which published an article focusing on the introduction of smart city bus stops in Prostějov and their benefits for passengers. The article is available here: Smart city bus stops introduced in Prostějov
We are ready for the next steps
Herman technologies designs and delivers solutions that improve everyday mobility and build a data foundation for smart city management.
→ Would you like to bring bus stops into the digital age in your city?
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The new EPIS 5.1AKS system is equipped with a far more powerful control module, enabling simultaneous recording from up to 16 cameras. The internal SSD can be selected with a capacity of up to 8 TB, greatly expanding storage space for recordings.
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Enhanced security with an electronic lock
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Wide connectivity and configuration options
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Power-state response and auxiliary control functions
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New PoE Ethernet switches
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Monitoring management
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C-ITS (V2X) Technology System
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Clear and up-to-date information enhances travel comfort. We will present modern digital bus stop signs with e-paper displays, widescreen LCD passenger information panels, and onboard LED displays. Our solutions provide passengers with clear and easily readable real-time updates on schedules, delays, and other essential travel information.
Communication Technology
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Passenger Fare Collection in Vehicles
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