Development of intelligent road markings: A review and outlook

This study reviews and extends intelligent road marking systems (IRMS) by integrating advanced marking materials, sensing and detection, wireless transmission, and road-side energy provisioning to support real-time, interactive traffic information for vehicles and pedestrians. In response to emerging intelligent transportation system (ITS) requirements, we synthesize progress in passive and active road-marking materials, emphasizing that environmentally resilient active markings are critical for maintaining visibility and guidance at night and under adverse weather. We discuss how visual guidance and embedded/roadside sensors can enhance traffic-state acquisition and enable intelligent feedback. For communications, we compare candidate protocols and show that configurable rate, distance, and access sequencing can be tailored to different latency and capacity demands; hybrid communication schemes can further improve efficiency while reducing system cost. For energy supply, we evaluate pavement-based energy harvesting and other self-power options, identifying durability and economic viability as prerequisites for long-term deployment across diverse road conditions. Building on these elements, we propose an adaptable IRMS architecture and introduce a conceptual framework for a real-time dynamic variable-lane system. We highlight implications for traffic safety, efficiency, and sustainability, and outline research priorities on resilient active materials, protocol optimization for seamless V2X integration, and lifecycle assessments of energy harvesters. Remaining challenges include standardization, interoperability, cybersecurity, and lifecycle sustainability. Overall, strategic advances in materials, communication, and energy technologies can accelerate multifunctional IRMS and promote safer, more efficient, and sustainable ITS development. • The architecture of intelligent road marking system is discussed based on ITS. • The principles of visual guidance and detection, wireless communication, and energy supply technology of line marking are summarized. • The blueprint of the real-time dynamic variable lane is described, and its application prospect is forecasted.