Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the transportation industry in various ways. While headlines often focus on the controversies surrounding driverless cars, AI is already being used and has vast potential to transform transportation systems. In a recent Eno Center report titled “Understanding AI & Transportation,” Renee Autumn Ray from Hayden AI discusses the many applications of AI in cities and transit agencies.
AI is a technology that is constantly evolving, making it difficult to define precisely. However, a common understanding is that AI enables machines to perform tasks that humans cannot, or would not choose to, do due to their complexity or the sheer volume of tasks. In transportation, AI is already making an impact and has the potential to do even more in the future.
One prominent application of AI in transportation is the development of autonomous vehicles. Considerable investments have been made in this field, but the real innovation lies in how these investments can be applied in other areas. For instance, AI is being used by companies like Amazon and Netflix to make personalized recommendations. However, the use of AI in government-focused products is still relatively new and limited.
Despite the potential, there are barriers to implementing AI in innovative transportation applications. Government agencies face higher levels of accountability and oversight compared to private companies, leading to a greater demand for transparency and ensuring that the technology upholds people’s rights. This is why keeping humans in the loop is crucial. AI should serve as a tool that aids transportation professionals in their work rather than replacing their expertise.
As transportation leaders embrace AI, they can leverage the technology to analyze crash data, identify interventions to enhance safety, enforce traffic regulations, and create human-centered streets. However, it is important to proceed with caution and consider the potential consequences of relying too heavily on AI. By using AI as a tool to complement human decision-making, the transportation industry can harness its potential while ensuring accountability and a human-centered approach to mobility.
