X_HeERO – eCall Next Generation
The project X_HeERO focuses on preparing Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) in EU member states for the upcoming implementation of Next Generation (NG) eCall, based on the emergency number 112. X_HeERO aims to ensure that PSAPs across Europe are fully equipped to handle eCalls using modern packet-switched technology, which enables faster and more reliable data transmission during emergency calls. This transition is essential as mobile communication networks increasingly move away from circuit-switched technology.
Project duration
03/2024 – 06/2027
Project budget
19,2 m. Euro
(EU funding 9,6 m. Euro)
Funded by
X_HeERO is co-funded by the European Union as Connected Europe Facility.
Project 101175713 – 23-EU-TG-eCall NG
Objectives
The primary objective of X_HeERO is to create a comprehensive blueprint that guides PSAPs in upgrading their infrastructure to support NG eCall. This blueprint will cover hardware, software, and procedural upgrades necessary for PSAPs to be interoperable across borders and to handle digital data exchanges with other entities, such as traffic management centers. The project will include extensive testing to ensure that the entire communication flow – from vehicles to PSAPs – works seamlessly. It refers to the previous I_HeERO project (Infrastructure Harmonised eCall European Roll-out, 2015 – 2018).
In addition to infrastructure upgrades, X_HeERO will address several key challenges in the eCall system:
- improving the integration of data from third-party service providers (TPS)
- better handling of eCall data from vulnerable road users and autonomous vehicles
- optimising emergency response and network management within the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T)
The expected results include enhanced emergency response times, better cross-border interoperability, and an overall improvement in road safety across Europe. By 2026, the project aims for all participating PSAPs to be fully prepared for NG eCall, ultimately reducing casualties and improving traffic incident management on European roads.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
X_HeERO webinars
X_HeERO offers a series of webinars for all interested parties involved in the NG eCall upgrade. The webinars aim at sharing information and experiences on the PSAP upgrade with the widest possible audience, especially with member states and commercial entities who were not able to take part in the X_HeERO project.
X_HeERO Webinar #1
Detailed information will follow soon
Project consortium
The X_HeERO project consortium consists of 38 project partners from eight EU-members states (Germany, Belgium, Cyprus, Spain, Italy, Luxembourg, Moldova, Romania), and six associated partners from four member states (Czech Republic, Finland, Romania, United Kingdom).
Project partners
- ITS mobility GmbH (Coordinator)
- OECON Products & Services GmbH
- hilynx GmbH
- European Emergency Number Association
- Technologiko Panepistimiio Kyprou
- Agencia Valenciana de Seguridad Yrespuesta a las Emergencias
- Axencia Galega de Emerxencias
- Fundacion Para la Promocion de la Innovacion Investigacion y Desarrollo Tecnologico en la Industria de Automocion de Galicia
- Jefatura Central de Trafico
- IDIADA automotive technology sa
- Foro de Nuevas Tecnologias en el Transporte, ITS Espana
- Agenzia Regionale Emergenza Urgenza
- Corps Grand Ducal d’Incendie et de Secours , Serviciul National Unic Pentru Apelurile de Urgenta 112
- Greensoft Srl
- Orange Romania sa
- Radcom sa
- Universitatea Romano Americana Asociatie
- Serviciul de Telecomunicatii Speciale
- Telekom Romania Mobile Communications Sa
- Hessisches Ministerium des Innern und für Sport
- Freie und Hansestadt Hamburg
- Zweckverband für Rettungsdienst und Feuerwehralarmierung Saar
- Bayerisches Staatsministerium des Innern, für Sport und Integration
- Stadt Freiburg
- DRK-Rettungsdienst Tuttlingen Gemeinnützige Gmbh
- Stadt Ulm
- Stadt Bochum
- Stadt Dortmund
- Stadt Herne
- Kreisverwaltung Olpe
- Hansestadt Lübeck
- Landkreis Stendal
- Stadtverwaltung Erfurt
- Stadt Gera
- Landkreis Nordhausen
- Landkreis Schmalkalden-Meiningen
- Rettungsdienstzweckverband Südthüringen
Associated partners
Sdruzeni Pro Dopravni Telematiku, Emengency Response Centre Agency, Autoritatea Nationala pentru Administrare si Reglementare in Comunicatii din Romania, RCS & RDS S.A., Vodafone Romania, VESOS Solutions Ltd
