Exploring How Flexibility in ITS is Essential for Future-Ready Cities

Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) innovation isn’t just about the technology improvements of our roads and motorways, it is a complete reimagining of our cities and how optimising safety and efficiency allow us to thrive. Being in the ITS industry, the power of data driven decisions creates fundamental breakthroughs in Research and Development movement. However, the current problem that the industry has been facing to collect that data revolves around outdated infrastructure. The new technology that could replace the incumbent systems needs to be flexible and scalable. As a solution, Traffic AI will be explored as a means to facilitate that need for data insights where its full range of sensors can achieve the data expectations.

Why is ITS flexibility Crucial?

ITS infrastructures are incredibly reliant on accurate data. The innovations and investments that are being poured onto our roads require meticulous analysis to ensure that the community gets the full benefit of the plans that governing bodies decide to put in place. With most ITS infrastructures coming to end of life, the data that is coming in isn’t reliable enough to make those executive decisions. This is leading to a plateau in forward-moving growth, where Australian traffic systems have been planned to be improved since 20 years ago. However, without any valuable data to back up those decisions, the project scopes get lost in the pipeline or, worse, get ultimately rejected because of the expensive overhead and resources required to facilitate gathering this data. Having a flexible and scalable system in place to collect that data is crucial. It ensures that the correct technologies can be implemented to optimise our motorways for efficient traffic flow and public safety. Flexibility in ITS allows for the adaptation and integration of new solutions as they become available, ensuring the system remains effective and responsive to changing needs and challenges.

Traffic AI Scalability

Sensor Dynamics has developed Traffic AI, an ITS Data Collection ecosystem, designed to provide comprehensive insights for Traffic Management Teams. Each rig in this system is independent and self-sustaining, minimising the need for additional coordination and overhead. The Traffic AI Rig, a self-powered unit, can be equipped with complex sensors such as Weigh-in-Motion, speed detection, emission monitoring and many more fields. These advanced sensors enable the collection of a wide range of data providing a holistic view of traffic conditions. Serving as a versatile alternative to traditional data collection teams, the Traffic AI Rig ensures that data is collected accurately and efficiently. Collected data is integrated and displayed on platforms such as Sensor Dynamics LPRnet or Power BI, aiding Traffic Management Leaders in justifying business cases for future ITS innovations. This innovative approach ensures that data is collected accurately and efficiently, providing a reliable foundation for making critical decisions regarding infrastructure improvements and traffic management strategies.

Flexible Use Cases of Traffic AI

Since its implementation, Traffic AI has been instrumental in providing transparency on vehicle usage of motorways. The real-time traffic monitoring functionality significantly reduces the time needed to gather and process data on vehicle classification.

Over the lifespan of the Traffic AI solution, the system has been trained and updated on all the latest heavy vehicle information. Our clients all have a unique heavy vehicle requirement that we need to track for them and Sensor Dynamics is able to provide the right information to tell them what they need to know. This information can range from ‘What kinds of heavy vehicles are using the road?’ down to ‘What is the distance between axles per heavy vehicle?‘.

Gaining this visibility enables effective decision-making and optimisation of road use, addressing the need for accurate and up-to-date information. Furthermore, Traffic AI operates under a leasing model, making it an adaptable and budget-friendly solution for various data collection needs, thereby supporting informed, data-driven decisions without requiring extensive resource allocation. By leveraging Traffic AI as a Portable Traffic Detection System, clients can effectively manage their traffic systems and improve overall road safety and efficiency.

Flexible Visibility with Traffic AI

The implementation of Traffic AI highlights the critical importance of ITS flexibility in transportation management. By offering essential insights, scalable data integration, and versatile applications, Traffic AI addresses challenges from real-time traffic monitoring and data-driven decision making. These capabilities enable Traffic Management Leaders to make informed decisions, optimise traffic flow, and implement proactive infrastructure measures. As cities aim to become future-ready, prioritising flexible ITS solutions like Traffic AI is essential for staying ahead of evolving challenges. Embracing such technologies will be the gateway to accelerating sustainable growth, improved road safety, and quality of life improvement for communities, making Traffic AI a key resource in achieving these goals.

Check out our Traffic AI traffic monitoring solution to see what insights Sensor Dynamics is able to provide!