Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) has forged partnerships with Google in order to employ AI technology in reducing traffic congestion and regulating traffic signals.
These partnerships highlight the UAE’s commitment to promoting its core AI objectives in research and sustainability.
During an event held at the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) announced the launch of two initiatives, including Project Green Light.
Project Green Light entails an analytical system that utilises AI techniques to collect and analyse traffic data at intersections. It provides recommendations for enhancing the efficiency of traffic lights in Abu Dhabi, thereby reducing traffic congestion and minimising CO2 emissions.
To forecast traffic patterns, identify congestion-prone areas, and develop proactive plans to alleviate them, Google’s AI Platform will analyse the extensive data generated from Google Maps. The ITC will also receive real-time and accurate information about accidents and traffic congestion areas from Google Maps.
The agreements emphasise collaboration on projects that leverage the power of AI to enhance the quality of life in Abu Dhabi. They aim to reduce pollution, improve the well-being of the population, and design innovative transportation and mobility solutions that meet present and future societal needs.
Mohamed Hussain Karmastaji, Executive Director of the ITC’s ITS Sector, expressed confidence that the collaboration with Google will yield real-time benefits for road users.
Project Green Light serves as a pilot initiative to develop an AI tool that collects crucial data on traffic conditions at intersections in the UAE. This tool automatically optimises the performance of traffic lights, alleviating vehicle congestion hotspots and enhancing air quality by reducing carbon emissions throughout the emirate.
“Through continued partnerships like this with government bodies, private sector partners, and community stakeholders, we are shaping a future where congestion is minimised, air quality is improved and our cities thrive in harmony with the environment. With the launch of new AI tools, we are taking a significant step towards enhancing the daily commute experience for residents. We are excited about the positive impact this will have on our city, and we look forward to collaborating with stakeholders to create a sustainable, intelligent transportation system,” said Karmastaji.
Google’s Bhatia said, “Building AI responsibly must be a collective effort involving researchers, social scientists, industry experts, governments, and the public. There is so much we can accomplish, and so much we must get right together. We’re pleased to collaborate with partners in the UAE on research that will enhance Arabic representation in AI as we pursue sustainable development.”
