Verona Tests AI Sensor System to Improve Traffic Congestion and Road Safety

Verona, Italy, is trialling a cutting-edge AI-powered sensor system aimed at easing traffic congestion and enhancing road safety at one of the city's busiest intersections, Porta Nuova. This initiative is part of the city's broader ecological transition plan to reduce emissions and improve urban mobility.

AI-powered sensors at Verona's Porta Nuova intersection help monitor and ease traffic congestion as part of the city's ecological transition efforts. Photo: Unsplash

AI and Smart Sensors: A Game Changer for Traffic Management

The pilot project, which began with the installation of 10 sensors in June, uses AI and radar technology to monitor traffic in real-time. Each sensor features a radar camera and GPU, allowing the system to classify different vehicle types and track them accurately across multiple detection zones. The system's capabilities extend beyond simple vehicle detection, enabling it to monitor traffic violations like speeding, wrong-way driving, and improper lane changes.

Developed by the South Korean start-up bitsensing, the TIMOS system leverages millimeter-wave radar technology to provide seamless vehicle tracking and generate actionable insights for traffic management. This technology has been successfully used in South Korea to monitor highways affected by dense fog, making it reliable even in challenging environmental conditions.

Data-Driven Decisions for a Sustainable Future

Tommaso Ferrari, Verona's deputy mayor for ecological transition, mobility, and public works coordination, emphasized the importance of this initiative. "By starting from this intersection, we can gather lots of information about our urban mobility," Ferrari explained, noting that real-time data would support better decision-making for controlling traffic lights and optimizing traffic flow.

The system's real-time monitoring and data processing are expected to improve urban mobility, reduce traffic congestion, and ultimately contribute to lowering carbon dioxide emissions. As Ferrari highlighted, these technological innovations are vital to achieving Verona’s sustainability goals.

Related: The EU AI Act: A New Era of AI Regulation Begins

A Step Towards Smarter, Greener Cities

The current trial at Porta Nuova, which is scheduled to run until the end of 2024, may be extended depending on its success. Verona’s collaboration with bitsensing is a promising step toward smarter traffic management and a greener, more sustainable urban environment. By harnessing AI and smart sensor technology, the city is reinventing urban mobility, reducing pollution, and paving the way for a more efficient transportation system.

Source: Euronews