How Edge AI and Embedded Tech Are Reshaping Tolling
Traditional toll collection systems — barriers, RFID tags, and manual payment points — give way to faster, smarter, and more scalable solutions. Road operators now face new challenges: real-time vehicle recognition, fraud prevention, cybersecurity, and support for GNSS-based multi-lane free-flow (MLFF) models.
Promwad applies its engineering expertise in edge AI, wireless communications, and embedded systems to help electronic toll collection (ETC) integrators and roadside units (RSUs) and on-board units (OBUs) manufacturers create next-generation toll collection solutions.
Edge Cameras: Real-Time Recognition on the Roadside
Traffic cameras are no longer passive observers. Today's AI-powered devices recognize license plates, classify vehicles, and calculate tolls in real-time — without sending data to the cloud.
Key benefits that make AI-powered cameras essential for modern tolling:
- Instant recognition. Vehicles are classified, and license plates are identified in less than 150 ms — even at highway speeds. Promwad has implemented this approach in a custom ANPR solution for traffic monitoring.
- Resilience. On-device processing keeps cameras operational even with limited connectivity
- Scalability. New devices can be added without major backend changes.
The Promwad team develops AI-powered camera modules optimized for real-time video analytics in road conditions. Using ONNX and TensorRT, we integrate neural networks that run directly on the device with minimal latency. This expertise is part of our broader work in embedded AI development, including model integration, hardware acceleration, and edge processing.
AI Gateways: The Bridge Between Edge and Core
Edge cameras create large volumes of data — but making sense of it requires more than raw processing. That’s where AI gateways come in. Acting as a local control hub, these gateways bridge the edge and core systems.
Promwad builds AI-powered gateways based on Yocto Linux and Zephyr RTOS that:
Multi-Radio RSUs & High-Precision OBUs
Modern toll collection systems require accurate vehicle tracking and stable communication with road infrastructure. Promwad offers engineering support in key areas to help customers create customized RSU and OBU devices:
Cloud Control & Analytics for Tolling Operators
Tolling systems generate vast amounts of data — but only cloud infrastructure can turn this data into actionable insights. Promwad offers end-to-end cloud system development to support:
- REST/MQTT backends for edge-to-cloud data streaming.
- Web and mobile apps for operators and inspectors.
- Real-time analytics dashboards and fraud detection.
- Remote AI model updates via OTA.
With proven capabilities in edge AI and embedded systems, Promwad is ready to support tolling technology providers developing the next wave of ETC infrastructure
Promwad Engineering Support for Advanced Tolling Solution
With proven experience in artificial intelligence and embedded platforms, the Promwad team is ready to support technology providers for toll collection systems in creating next-generation ETC infrastructure. Whether you are developing a prototype or preparing for certification, we offer a full range of services:
Why Tolling Companies Outsource System Development
Companies building electronic toll collection (ETC) infrastructure increasingly turn to external engineering partners to develop key system components — from RSUs and OBUs to AI cameras and smart gateways. This approach helps them:
Ready to build your tolling solution?
Let’s discuss how Promwad can help you move from concept to deployment.
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