SAGE Automation – Award Showcase

Today we're continuing our showcase of some of the outstanding work and people nominated for the ITS Australia Awards 2021. George Funnell, Systems Engineer at SAGE Automation is a finalist for Young Professional Award.

At SAGE, George is part of a major smart school zone crossing project for approximately 600 sites in Tasmania. The project delivers Electronic Speed Limit Signs capable of connecting to the ITS network, enabling remote monitoring and maintenance, and deployment of calendar updates. It uses the SAGE Edge device as a gateway for monitoring in the field and sending messages to configure the school zone display.

Through his, work George hopes to build a future with more safe and reliable transport for a wider population within Australia, and believes AVs are vital for achieving those outcomes. Throughout his academic, and now professional careers, George has shown that integrating AVs onto the road network could be further improved using V2I and V2X, allowing a deeper level of processing that enables vehicles to navigate intersections seamlessly. Utilising GLOSA would enable priority access for AVs and allow them to travel at set speeds to meet green lights, improving reliability and providing more comfortable transport routes for wider demographics. George's role within SAGE’s Transport team involves engaging with graduate engineers and work placement students to share ITS industry knowledge. This recently extended to presenting to school groups, including several girls’ schools, to showcase career possibilities in STEM.