Smart Technologies for Traffic Signals

A pilot in Pittsburgh uses smart technology to optimize traffic signals, thus technologytraffic.com/2021/12/29/generated-post-3 reducing vehicle stop-and-idling time and overall travel time. Designed by a Carnegie Mellon professor of robotics The system combines signals from the past with sensors and artificial intelligence to improve the routing in urban road networks.

Sensors are utilized by adaptive traffic signal control systems (ATSC) to monitor and adjust the timing and the phasing of signals in intersections. They can be based on various types of hardware, including radar, computer vision, and inductive loops installed in the pavement. They also can collect data from connected vehicles in C-V2X and DSRC formats. Data is processed on the edge device, or transferred to a cloud for analysis.

By collecting and processing real-time information about road conditions and traffic congestion, accidents, and weather conditions, smart traffic lights can automatically adjust idling times, RLR at busy intersections and recommended speed limits to ensure that vehicles can move around freely without slowed down. They can also detect and alert drivers of safety concerns, such as violations of lane markings, or crossing lanes, assisting to prevent injuries and accidents on city roads.

Smarter controls can also assist in tackling new challenges, like the rise of e-bikes, e-scooters, and other micromobility options that have become increasingly popular during the pandemic. These systems can track the movement of these vehicles and employ AI to improve their movements at intersections with traffic lights, which aren’t well-suited for their small size or maneuverability.