Scientists investigating AI-based traffic control, so we can only blame the jams on ourselves
Scientists investigating AI-based traffic control, so we can only blame the jams on ourselves
Ever found yourself stuck at the lights convinced that whatever is controlling these things is just trying to test your patience, and that you could do a better job? Well, turns out you might -- at least partly -- be right. Researchers at the University of Southampton have just revealed that they are investigating the use of artificial intelligence-based traffic lights, with the hope that it could be used in next-generation road signals. The research uses video games and simulations to asses different traffic control systems, and apparently us humans do a pretty good job. The team at Southampton hope that they will be to emulate this human-like approach with new "machine learning" software. With cars already being tested out with WiFi, mobile connectivity and GPS on board for accident prevention, a system such as this could certainly have a lot of data to tap into. There's no indication as to when we might see a real world trial, but at least we're reminded, for once, that as a race we're not quite able to be replaced by robotic overlords entirely.
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Scientists investigate using artificial intelligence for next-generation traffic control
AI technology is being tested to control traffic lights
Researchers at the University of Southampton are investigating the application of artificial intelligence (AI) technology for controlling traffic lights.
The development of artificial intelligence-based approaches to junction control i s one of many new and promising technologies that can make better use of existing urban and road capacity, while reducing the environmental impacts of road traffic.
The research carried out by the University of Southampton team has used computer games and simulations to investigate what makes good traffic control. This work has shown that – given the right conditions – humans are excellent at controlling the traffic and can perform significantly better than the existing urban traffic control computers in use today.
This was tested for the BBC's 'One Show' programme, where presenter Marty Jopson controlled a 'real traffic light junction at the InnovITS proving ground using a laptop, while 30 volunteer drivers tried to negotiate the junction. Watch the programme here (Item at 18.00) – http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01m6958/The_One_Show_23_08_2012/
Dr Simon Box of the University of Southampton Transportation Research Gro up adds: "The demonstration carried out at innovITS Advance indicates that the human brain, carefully employed, can be an extremely effective traffic control computer. In our research we aim to be able to emulate this approach in a new kind of software that can provide significant benefits in improving the efficiency of traffic flow, hence improving road space utilisation, reducing journey times and potentially, improving fuel efficiency."
The Southampton researchers have now developed 'machine learning' traffic control computers that can learn how to control the lights like a human would and even learn their own improved strategies through experience.
"In transport research we are always looking ahead, and we can consider a future where all vehicles are equipped with WiFi and GPS and can transmit their positions to signalized junctions," explains Dr Box. "This opens the way to the use of artificial intelligence approaches to traffic control such as machin e learning."
The research was originally funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and is currently continuing under Technology Strategy Board funding, with Siemens as an industrial partner.
Engadget