Google’s Artificial Intelligence Aims to Shorten Traffic Light Waiting Times

MetaversePlanet October 16, 2023Last Updated: February 21, 2024

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Google, renowned for its extensive dedication to artificial intelligence, is shifting its focus towards traffic control. Through its newest AI-powered endeavor called Green Light, the tech giant intends to tackle prolonged waiting periods at traffic signals.

By leveraging AI capabilities and incorporating data from Google Maps, the initiative aims to equip city planners with valuable insights to optimize intersection performance, ultimately reducing traffic congestion and subsequently mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.

NEW PROJECT FROM GOOGLE

Google is sourcing the data for its latest project from its vast repository in Google Maps. By tapping into extensive driving trends amassed over the years, the company has access to a wealth of information, including cycle durations, transit durations, and the timings of green light activations at specific intersections.

This wealth of data enables Google to construct a virtual representation of the traffic patterns at city crossroads. Moreover, it empowers the tech giant to employ artificial intelligence in identifying potential tweaks in traffic light timings at chosen intersections, aiming to enhance vehicular flow.

As part of the project’s testing phase, Google has rolled out the system in 12 cities, covering 70 intersections. City officials are provided with an interactive dashboard through the Green Light project, where they can either approve or decline the AI-generated recommendations. Once accepted, these changes are then implemented.

While Google has been tight-lipped about specific figures, initial feedback from the 12 pilot cities hints at promising results. Preliminary data suggests the potential to reduce stops by as much as 30% and curtail greenhouse gas emissions by 10% for an estimated 30 million car journeys monthly.