In January, Google unveiled a good use for AI and it just makes sense – less traffic. We already have engineers that can measure the time required at intersections and then adjust the time of traffic flow, but now “Operation Green Light” can leverage the traffic patterns from Google’s advanced maps to offer suggestions. City engineers can then implement (within minutes) the suggestion from the program with the aim to reduce stop-and-go traffic.
I recently had the experience of driving from Lathemtown to downtown Atlanta. Knowing how bad it can be, I left at 4:30 to give myself some extra time and arrived at 6:15. Almost double the amount it normally takes. I was an absolute wreck by the time I got to my GDG meeting to go over some fun stuff with Twitter. The group was extremely nice even though I was embarrassed showing up late.
Recently, AI has been all you will hear or read about in the news or online. Companies like Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon have invested heavily into AI to incorporate into their offerings. Personally, I’m tired of hearing about it, but this is a case of AI being used properly to offset traffic and move humanity forward.
To think that this (completely logical) program could have the effect it would is fantastic. It’s is being tried out in several countries around the world – 17 cities – which would effect up millions of trips and could potentially reduce up to 30% of waiting at a traffic light. The result to remove 10% of emissions from car exhaust. And that may seem like a small number, but it’s really great in the larger scheme of things. Every bit helps and the shift in renewable energy just makes it that more satisfying if you like Earth.
I want to emphasize this is still in testing. Every good project should test out the service or product before delivery and that’s happening right now. Thanks to CBS for this – more can be viewed or read here!
I do not receive payments, reimbursements, or any other kind of compensation from Google. If you’d like to know more about the GDG, just let me know.
