As road safety challenges increase with evolving technologies and infrastructure demands, SMA Road Safety has become a vital force in transforming how we protect lives on the road. The company, founded in 2013, is at the forefront of creating innovative road safety solutions, exporting its cutting-edge products across the globe. At the heart of this success is Roberto Impero, the CEO of SMA Road Safety, whose visionary leadership and passion for saving lives have propelled the company to global recognition.
In 2024, SMA Road Safety proudly earns a place among the Top 10 Innovators of the Year, a recognition of their relentless commitment to innovation and life-saving technology.
A Mission Rooted in Innovation
SMA Road Safety’s origin is deeply tied to a legacy of innovation. Pasquale Impero, Roberto’s father, began the family’s industrial journey in 1969, focused on industrial automation. In 2009, the breakthrough came when Pasquale invented a honeycomb-shaped metallic panel designed for energy absorption—a technology that would later form the backbone of SMA Road Safety’s product line.
Building on this foundation, Roberto established SMA Road Safety in 2013, with a singular mission: to revolutionize road safety by developing innovative solutions that go beyond industry standards. From its headquarters in Italy, SMA has grown into a global leader, supplying road safety equipment across Europe, Asia, North America, and beyond.
The company’s products, such as crash cushions, end terminals and longitudinal barriers, are designed not only to comply with international safety standards but to save lives in the most critical moments—during accidents where every second counts.
Roberto Impero: Leading with Vision and Precision
While SMA’s technological breakthroughs are central to its success, the leadership of Roberto Impero has been the driving force behind the company’s rapid rise. A native of Naples, Roberto brings a unique combination of legal expertise and business acumen to his role as CEO. His leadership style blends visionary thinking with precision—a trait that is mirrored in the meticulous production processes at SMA.
Roberto’s leadership is rooted in a deep sense of purpose. “For me, SMA Road Safety is more than a business. It’s a mission to save lives,” he explains. This commitment is evident in every aspect of the company’s operations, from product development to its global partnerships.
Under Roberto’s guidance, SMA Road Safety has developed a customer-first approach, ensuring that each product meets the specific needs of different regions and road environments. SMA’s safety devices are currently deployed in more than 45 countries, from Italy to Brunei, Malaysia to Canada, and many more.
A Journey of Milestones
Since its inception, SMA Road Safety has continuously innovated to stay ahead in the highly competitive field of road passive safety. Among the company’s many milestones is the development of the Leonidas crash cushion, introduced in 2011. This product became a game-changer, known for its superior energy absorption capacity and ability to significantly reduce fatalities in high-speed crashes.
In 2013, SMA solidified its brand on the global stage, rapidly expanding into international markets. By 2014, the Leonidas crash cushion had passed stringent tests according to American safety standards, demonstrating its resilience and capability in even the most challenging environments.
The company’s drive for innovation didn’t stop there. In 2015, SMA introduced its monitoring system, which revolutionized real-time accident monitoring by sending immediate alerts to emergency services following an impact against a crash cushion. This proactive approach to road safety helps reduce response times and ensures that damaged road safety infrastructure is quickly restored to prevent further accidents.
In 2018, the company launched the First high containment SMART barrier, another breakthrough in the field, offering enhanced protection for high-risk road areas. Most recently, in 2024, SMA unveiled ATLAS, a patented Weigh-in-Motion system that uses real-time data to prevent accidents caused by overloaded trucks. ATLAS identifies vehicles exceeding weight limits, protecting road infrastructure and preventing dangerous accidents before they happen.
Embracing Technology to Save Lives
At the core of SMA Road Safety’s strategy is its use of advanced technology to address contemporary road safety challenges. Roberto and his team have integrated emerging technologies like IoT (Internet of Things) and AI-driven systems into their products to provide smart, real-time monitoring solutions.
One of the company’s signature products, the Eagle Monitoring System, demonstrates this commitment to smart technology. By continuously monitoring crash cushions, the system instantly alerts emergency services when an impact occurs, reducing response times and helping authorities mitigate additional risks on the road. Furthermore, Eagle always captures the plate of the vehicle in order to claim damage in case it runaways.
SMA Road Safety’s ATLAS system, another example of technological advancement, integrates Weigh-in-Motion (WIM) technology to monitor and detects truck overloading. Overloaded trucks pose a significant safety hazard, especially on high-traffic highways, and ATLAS ensures that road managers can address these risks in real-time.
Roberto emphasizes the importance of staying ahead of the curve. “Technology allows us to anticipate problems before they occur,” he says. “By combining IoT, AI, and real-time data, we’re ensuring that our road safety solutions are not only effective but also future-proof.”
Road Safety in a Changing World
As the global road safety landscape continues to evolve, SMA Road Safety remains at the forefront of addressing new challenges. One such challenge is the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), which are quickly becoming a major component of the world’s transportation ecosystem. SMA is already preparing for this shift by testing its Crash Barriers beyond the standard requirements, ensuring they can handle high-speed impacts from EVs and modern vehicles such as SUVs.
Additionally, the company is closely monitoring emerging trends in urban mobility and the increasing adoption of smart cities. With more cities investing in smart infrastructure, SMA is developing solutions that align with the future of transportation, ensuring that road safety remains a priority in increasingly connected urban environments.
Sustainability and Safety Hand-in-Hand
As a company committed to creating a safer world, SMA Road Safety also recognizes the importance of sustainability. Environmental responsibility is embedded into the company’s product design and manufacturing processes. By prioritizing eco-friendly materials and sustainable practices, SMA ensures that its innovations contribute to both safety and environmental conservation.
Roberto is particularly proud of the company’s efforts in this area. “Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for us—it’s an integral part of how we do business. We want to protect not only lives but also the planet we live on.”
This commitment to sustainability goes beyond product development. The company’s manufacturing practices aim to minimize waste and promote the recycling and reuse of materials wherever possible.
The Future: Expanding Global Impact
Looking to the future, SMA Road Safety has ambitious plans for growth and innovation. With Roberto Impero at the helm, the company is poised to continue expanding its global presence, introducing new product lines that address emerging safety concerns, especially in urban mobility, road workzones and smart infrastructure.
Roberto’s vision is clear: SMA Road Safety will not only continue setting new standards for road safety but will also lead the charge in sustainability and smart technology integration. “We have a responsibility to continue innovating, not just for today’s road safety needs, but for tomorrow’s challenges,” Roberto asserts.
SMA is also exploring strategic partnerships with governments and private organizations worldwide to extend the impact of its road safety solutions. These collaborations will allow SMA to deliver more comprehensive, integrated systems that improve safety in even the most complex environments.
Leadership and Advice for Innovators
As CEO, Roberto Impero’s leadership is integral to SMA’s continued success. His approach is grounded in collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. He encourages his team to think outside the box and remain agile in the face of changing market conditions.
For young innovators and companies looking to make an impact, Roberto’s advice is simple: “Keep focused on your targets, and anytime you face challenges or odds, remember that muscles grow under tension so work hard and keep believing”.
Conclusion
Under the visionary leadership of Roberto Impero, SMA Road Safety has become a beacon of innovation in the global road safety industry. With its cutting-edge solutions, technological advancements, and unwavering commitment to saving lives, SMA continues to set new benchmarks in the field. As the company looks ahead to new challenges and opportunities, it remains dedicated to its core mission: creating safer roads and a safer world for everyone.
