RoadTrace by AISIN selected as innovation partner in national ROMO programme to support safer and smarter road management in the Netherlands
Brussels, 6 January 2026 – RoadTrace by AISIN has been selected as one of eleven innovation partners in the national Road Monitor (ROMO) programme, a large-scale public–private initiative aimed at improving road safety and optimising road maintenance across the Netherlands using anonymised vehicle data.
ROMO is a collaboration for and by road authorities, supported by the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management with the expertise of the National Road Traffic Data Portal (NDW) and TNO. Over the next four years (2026–2029), the programme will bring together road authorities and industry partners to develop seven data-driven information services focused on road safety, asset management, and extreme weather conditions.
As part of the programme, RoadTrace by AISIN will contribute its expertise in connected vehicle data, behavioural risk analysis, and predictive safety insights. By analysing anonymised data from millions of vehicles equipped with advanced sensors, RoadTrace helps road authorities gain early visibility of emerging risks, such as harsh braking patterns, reduced grip, or early-stage road surface degradation.
“Being selected as a ROMO innovation partner is a strong recognition of RoadTrace’s role in the future of data-driven road management,” said the François Poncet, General Manager of RoadTrace by AISIN. “Road authorities across Europe are under growing pressure to improve safety while managing ageing infrastructure more efficiently. With RoadTrace, we enable a shift from reactive interventions to predictive, evidence-based decision-making, helping authorities act earlier, prioritise smarter, and ultimately save lives.”
A key objective of ROMO is to transform anonymised vehicle data into reliable, actionable information services that road authorities can directly use in their daily operations and long-term planning. These services will support:
- early detection of road surface deterioration and maintenance needs,
- timely identification of hazardous conditions such as slipperiness due to weather, and
- proactive identification of locations where road safety is under pressure, including near-miss hotspots.
Participating road authorities will be able to access these services free of charge until 2029, contributing their operational knowledge and feedback to continuously improve data quality and usability. The collaborative approach ensures that solutions are developed with road authorities, not just for them, strengthening trust, relevance, and real-world impact.
RoadTrace by AISIN builds on more than 40 years of GPS car navigation system technology for automotive within AISIN, part of the Toyota Group. Through RoadTrace, connected vehicle intelligence is extended beyond the vehicle itself to support safer infrastructure, more resilient road networks, and progress toward Vision Zero goals.
ROMO represents a major step forward in scaling the use of anonymised vehicle data for public good, turning everyday vehicle movements into insights that hopefully help road authorities manage roads more safely, sustainably, and cost-effectively.
Vanuatu Appoints TRL to Implement Climate-Resilient iROADS Road Asset Management software
The Government of Vanuatu has selected TRL to implement and roll out its iROADS Road Asset Management system to strengthen the country’s transport network. This initiative marks an important step towards building a more climate-resilient, sustainable, and well-maintained road system, helping Vanuatu plan, manage, and protect its infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Situated in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Australia and west of Fiji, Vanuatu is an island nation with a road network of approximately 2,900 kilometres, the majority of which are unsealed and vulnerable to the impacts of extreme weather. Strengthening this network is essential for national connectivity, disaster response, and economic development.
Under the new commission, funded by the World Bank under the Vanuatu Climate Resilient Transport Project, TRL will collaborate closely with the Vanuatu Public Works Department to enhance the climate resilience of the national road system and optimise the maintenance process. The programme will also help to ensure the country has the capacity to respond effectively to future crises or emergencies affecting transport infrastructure.
The project involves the full configuration and deployment of the iROADS system, comprehensive data collection across Vanuatu’s core road network, and the generation of multi-year maintenance and investment plans to support sustainable decision-making. A critical component of the work will be the institutionalisation of asset management practices and extensive training to build local technical capability within Vanuatu’s transport sector.
TRL will be supported by partners NTRO (National Transport Research Organisation) and Experion Technologies, whose expertise in infrastructure management and digital systems respectively will strengthen the delivery of this ambitious programme. Together, the partners will provide an integrated approach that combines advanced technology, field data, and local knowledge to improve the country’s infrastructure resilience.
As one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations, Vanuatu faces frequent challenges from tropical cyclones, earthquakes, flooding, sea level rise and coastal inundation which can exacerbate these problems. The introduction of iROADS will enable the government to adopt a more data-driven approach to managing its road assets, prioritising maintenance and investment where it is most needed, and strengthening long-term resilience against natural disasters.
“We are proud to partner with the Government of Vanuatu in delivering sustainable, data-driven solutions for their road network,” said Subu Kamal, Head of Product for TRL Software. “This project reflects TRL’s ongoing commitment to helping island nations build climate-resilient infrastructure that supports communities, trade, and disaster preparedness.”
Andre Iautipu, Acting Director: Public Works Department, MIPU, Vanuatu said “This Initiative with TRL marks an important milestone in delivering on the goals of Vanuatu 2030, The People’s Plan, our National Sustainable Development Plan for 2016–2030. By implementing the iROADS system, we are advancing our vision for a stable, sustainable, and prosperous Vanuatu. A resilient and well-managed road network underpins national connectivity, supports inclusive economic growth, and strengthens our capacity to respond to the increasing impacts of climate change. The iROADS project will help us make data-driven decisions that secure a better future for our people.”
This collaboration will establish iROADS as a key component of Vanuatu’s national transport strategy and demonstrate how evidence-based planning can support climate adaptation and inclusive economic growth across the Pacific region.
Note to editors:
About NTRO
The National Transport Research Organisation (NTRO) collaborates with all levels of government, transport agencies, consultants, and private sector organisations on all aspects of transport and mobility in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific region. NTRO is innovation driven, delivering innovative transport solutions that are safer, more sustainable and value-for-money.
About Experion Technologies
Experion Technologies is an AI-native Product Engineering and Digital Transformation company with 1,650+ digital experts and a strong presence across Europe. With five global offices, Experion has partnered with 500+ clients and delivered 350+ products across 37 countries.
The company works with leading organizations across Healthcare, Banking and Financial Services, Insurance, Retail, Transport & Logistics, and EdTech, helping them modernize legacy systems, adopt cloud technologies, and build resilient, future-ready digital products.
Experion’s excellence has been recognized by Frost & Sullivan, Clutch, Inc. 5000, Everest Group, the Dallas 100 by SMU Cox, DBJ’s Fast 50, and an Honourable Mention at Fast Company’s Innovation by Design Awards. Experion is also a Great Place to Work–certified company for four consecutive years.
About World Bank
The World Bank Group is a multilateral development institution whose mission is to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a liveable planet. It provides financing, technical assistance and knowledge to support projects that promote sustainable economic development and improve quality of life in low- and middle-income countries.
IRF and IATSS Sign MoU to Advance Safer and More Sustainable Road Systems Worldwide
Tokyo, Japan | 17 November 2025 - The International Road Federation (IRF) and the International Association of Traffic and Safety Sciences (IATSS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in advancing the development of safer, more efficient and sustainable road and transport systems globally.
The agreement was signed on 17 November 2025 in Tokyo, Japan, by Prof. Kazuhiko Takeuchi, President of IATSS, and Mr. Gonzalo Alcaraz, Acting Director General of IRF.
Through this partnership, both organisations commit to strengthening collaboration in research, data sharing, and the exchange of best practices in road safety, infrastructure development, and mobility innovation. This will be achieved through joint activities such as conferences, workshops, training courses, and joint research initiatives.
Further, the IRF and the IATSS agreed to give visibility to the partnership through their websites and communications, ensuring stakeholders and members benefit from the shared knowledge and opportunities that arise from this collaboration.
The MoU will remain in effect for five years and serves as a framework for institutional cooperation, allowing both parties to work together toward their shared goals while maintaining their respective independence.
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About International Road Federation (IRF)
The International Road Federation (IRF) is a global, independent, not-for-profit organisation with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Active since 1948, IRF is a membership-based organisation, representing leading corporate and institutional players drawn from the road and mobility sectors worldwide. Its mission is to promote the development of roads and road networks that enable access and sustainable mobility for all. Its approach is centred on key strategic components of knowledge transfer & information sharing, connecting people, businesses, and organisations, and working on policy & advocacy.
About IATSS
The International Association of Traffic and Safety Sciences (IATSS) was formally established on 17 September 1974, courtesy of an endowment from Soichiro Honda and Takeo Fujisawa, founders of Honda Motors Co., as well as Honda Motors itself. It aims to provide a forum for scholars and other specialists to freely discuss and conduct research on the present and future states of transportation in mobile societies. The IATSS promotes the development of the ideal transportation system by the prompt undertaking of traffic and safety-related research activities, hosting of research conferences, active support of publicity and publication activities, and bestowing awards and grants for transportation-related research, education and other activities.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
International Road Federation (IRF)
Ms Mao Macatangay
Communications Manager
mmacatangay@irfofficial.org | +41 22 306 0260
www.irfofficial.org
