The digitalization of road construction sites represents a fundamental step toward the development of connected infrastructures and the realization of the smart roads of the future. The integration of IoT technologies, hybrid communications, and satellite connectivity is today an essential element to ensure the safety, robustness, and efficient management of road and railway works within the increasingly demanding context of connected and automated mobility.
The AS-ITc (Advanced System IoT by construction) project, coordinated by TIM in partnership with Radiolabs, Eagleprojects, ADPM Drones, Nitel, and Autostrade per l’Italia, aims to design and implement an integrated platform for the digitalization and intelligent management of road construction sites. Funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) under the ARTES 4.0 programme, AS-ITc was launched in February 2025 and has an overall duration of 21 months.
The project leverages a set of advanced technologies — 5G networks, satellite communications, and IoT systems — to enhance the safety and operational efficiency of construction sites, enabling real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making processes.
AS-ITc is based on a modular and scalable architecture that integrates edge computing and multi-bearer connectivity components. The system includes:
- a 3D visualization platform for remote supervision of site activities;
- a mission planner for autonomous management of drones and inspection robots;
- artificial intelligence modules for automatic detection of anomalies, risks and critical operating conditions;
- a system for collecting, processing and standardizing traffic data.
Within the project, Radiolabs is responsible for the design and development of the subsystem dedicated to traffic data management. This module processes data collected from IoT sensors installed across the construction site, integrating them with static information describing site activities. The processed data are then converted into Safety-Related Traffic Information (SRTI) messages compliant with the DATEX II standard, ensuring full interoperability with external traffic management systems and alignment with European paradigms for Cooperative, Connected and Automated Mobility (CCAM).
A distinctive aspect of AS-ITc is the synergy between the road and rail domains: the developed solutions and architectural principles are designed to be scalable and transferable to different infrastructure contexts, fostering technological convergence between rail and automotive. This approach contributes to Radiolabs’ strategic goal of creating a unified platform for smart, safe and sustainable mobility.
The AS-ITc project successfully passed the Critical Design Review (CDR) phase, confirming the technological maturity of the solution and compliance with the requirements set by ESA.
The CDR validates the robustness of the system architecture and the readiness of the platform for the subsequent integration and field validation phase.
