The Colas research network reflects the Group's global capability. With locations on five continents, our technical teams remain close to their customers, while benefiting from permanent contact with their peers in other subsidiaries as well as with the Campus for Science and Techniques (CST) near Paris.

Our new, ground-breaking M@estro traffic signal control is designed to improve vehicle flow, enhance control and offer futuristic capabilities. Developed by the Colas Group, M@estro is an intelligent controller that is fully tried and tested. Already in operation across the Continent and internationally, it meets current traffic control systems demands, is UK Topaz compliant, is capable for running sites on MOVA 8, UG405 and has UTC capabilities.

M@estro has inbuilt remote monitoring and can be connected directly to the Imtrac for fault management. This solution will be available in all M@estro controllers and will also be available as a stand-alone unit for existing sites across clients’ networks.

An example of our Open Innovation approach where we collaborate to co-create innovative solutions by bringing together start-ups and operations and with solutions tested directly in the field, is the investment by Colas in RB3D. This Auxerre-based company specialises in the construction of cobots and exoskeletons. We have co-developed Exopush, an exoskeleton intended for workers who apply asphalt mix by hand. 

The EXOPUSH is used by actuating the handle like a normal rake, then an electric actuator is instantly driven to help push or pull the tool. It is supported by a harness and link to the ground via a force leg, which makes it light and allows to develop its full power. The user is protected from thrust efforts and therefore naturally maintains a straight position while keeping all his freedom of movement.

Protected by 3 international patents, EXOPUSH improves the ergonomics of a task that has been done with a rake for as long as can be remembered, it removes fatigue and reduces the amount of stress experienced by operatives.

ANAIS is a new solution which collects and analyses data relating to the behaviour of vehicles on roads, making it possible to detect warning zones on the road network and provide maintenance recommendations to the network manager. The solution won the Road Safety Innovation 2019 award for Emergency Response and Improvements to Road Space at the 3rd edition of the Road Safety Innovation Awards in France.

Colas has signed a partnership with Michelin Driving Data Intelligence (DDI) for the acquisition of driving data in real-life situations. This data, is reported, then aggregated, anonymized and contextualized on a processing platform designed to detect warning zones. These zones are then in turn analyzed and processed by Mobility by Colas to help local authorities target specific road safety maintenance operations.

Acquiring real driving data brings a new dimension to road network diagnostics, as the analysis can be both continuous and comprehensive. ANAIS makes it possible to make roads safer.