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Driving Digital Transformation in Road Transport
Global | Brussels

Vehicle data, AI and operational challenges take centre stage at IRU event

21 Sep 2026 · Innovation

IRU’s Commission on Innovation and Technology (CIT) brought together members and industry experts in Brussels to exchange views on the technologies, regulatory developments and practical challenges shaping the future of commercial road transport.

From access to vehicle data and emissions-control systems to battery safety, electrification and AI, last week’s CIT meeting combined policy discussions with examples of how emerging technologies are already being applied in road transport. Here is a rundown of all the action in Brussels.

2027 agenda

CIT members endorsed the work programme for 2027.

It is built around five focus areas: regulatory harmonisation and simplification; digitalisation and data exchange; energy transition and operational readiness; vehicle technology and innovation; and safety and security.

Finding common ground on vehicle data

Access to in-vehicle data was a central theme of the meeting.

CIT members reviewed the work of its Informal Working Group on Access to Vehicle Data, including proposed principles supporting operators’ ability to access, use and share data generated by vehicles they own, lease or operate, while protecting manufacturers’ proprietary software, algorithms and AI services.

The proposals also stressed that access should be secure, interoperable, standardised and non-discriminatory.

The discussion continued with a dedicated panel bringing together representatives from the road transport sector, vehicle manufacturers and technology experts to explore a common vision for access to vehicle data.

The panel featured Dr Annette Hultåker (Scania), Jocelyn Delatre (ACEA), Mihai Chirca (Transdev), Petra Eklund Åhlström (Swedish Association of Road Transport), and Wout van den Heuvel (TLN).

Vehicle data, AI and operational challenges take centre stage at IRU event
Vehicle data, AI and operational challenges take centre stage at IRU event
Vehicle data, AI and operational challenges take centre stage at IRU event
Vehicle data, AI and operational challenges take centre stage at IRU event
Vehicle data, AI and operational challenges take centre stage at IRU event
Vehicle data, AI and operational challenges take centre stage at IRU event

Technology needs to work in the real world

CIT members also examined practical technical and regulatory challenges facing operators.

IRU member SKAL (Finland) presented findings from a survey of transport companies on problems with AdBlue and emissions-control systems, particularly during cold winter conditions. The results highlighted recurring technical problems, vehicle downtime and significant repair costs for operators.

SKAL

Innovation moving from concept to operation

Industry presentations provided a look at technologies increasingly influencing commercial transport. Zephyr Intelligent System presented its work on battery thermal safety, including monitoring, early warning, cooling and fire-suppression technologies for electric vehicles and other battery applications.

Zephyr

Einride explored how electrification, autonomous driving and AI-based planning are coming together in freight operations. Its presentation stressed that AI is already being used across areas ranging from planning and dispatch to administration, while wider deployment will require collaboration and interoperability across the transport ecosystem.

einride

Konboi AI, meanwhile, showed how physical AI, sensors and predictive technology can support more efficient driving. Its approach uses information on surrounding traffic, road conditions and vehicle behaviour to anticipate situations and optimise acceleration, coasting and braking – with potential benefits for energy efficiency, driver comfort and safety.

konboi

About CIT

IRU’s Commission on Innovation and Technology brings IRU members together for regulatory updates and expert recommendations on technical matters to help operators move passengers and goods by road safely, securely and efficiently.

In collaboration with technology providers and manufacturers of heavy-duty vehicles, CIT monitors and assesses emerging innovations to advance operational efficiency, mobility, automation, digitalisation, AI, safety, security, environmental sustainability, the transport of dangerous goods, and fuel economy.

CIT also fosters open dialogue among different commercial road transport stakeholders. 

Vehicle data, AI and operational challenges take centre stage at IRU event
Vehicle data, AI and operational challenges take centre stage at IRU event