SMART CITIES TAP INTO AI TO GET EVEN SMARTER

Working as government and transportation speakers, we frequently get a sneak peek at what’s coming next in terms of new technologies and innovations that promise to revolutionize federal, local, and municipal operations. One such advancement looks to be the arrival of 5G high-speed wireless communications networks, which are capable of piping huge amounts of information to the cloud or high-tech devices speedily on-demand. Buoyed by its growing presence, a number of providers are quickly becoming able to deliver grand-scale artificial intelligence (AI) and automation solutions that aren’t just making cities smarter, but also saving lives as well.

Case in point: Over one million people are killed in traffic accidents every year. But what if it were possible to detect and prevent threats and dangers before they struck? Even as transportation speakers, we’re surprised to note the number of cities that are now exploring the use of sensors in cars or roads that are connected to smart grids of information that allow individuals and government leaders to track variables such as vehicle speed, direction, and angle down to fine details. Using this information, which allows computers to hone in on potential road hazards and their relative location, it’s possible to predict collisions before they occur, and quickly sound warnings to drivers. Armed with this forewarning, vehicles can steer clear of troubles. And it’s all made possible thanks to 5G’s ability to gather, parse, and analyze millions of data points, which can also be leveraged to improve the design of intersections or roadways and the flow of traffic as well.

Imagine automated and AI solutions so advanced that they can track how effective individual turn lanes or traffic lights are, and keep track of which intersections are prone to producing the most accidents. Using these information tracking capabilities, which can be shared with cities and government leaders around the world, it’s possible to completely rethink urban planning, city planning, and roadway design. So while definitely helpful for individual drivers – who hear buzzers and alarms sound when danger is near – these cutting-edge, high-tech solutions also promise to make roads safer on a larger scale. Capable of preventing crashes and minimizing hazards to pedestrians, the future of transportation only gets more interesting from here.