AI in transportation — Transformation is well underway

AI is already significantly impacting transport operations, with companies like Aurrigo, Volvo, Verizon, Tesla, and Promare developing market leading technologies. The benefits of AI are clear, but there may be some challenges ahead.

AI can create more efficient, cleaner transportation, transforming the way both goods and people are carried. From aviation and cargo transportation to public transport, AI is involved across the entire transport spectrum.

According the UK Government, "The applications of data-driven technology across this sector are some of the broadest and most advanced across our entire economy."

How big is the AI transport market?

EMcompass predict that the use of AI in transport could add 3.5 billion to the global economy by 2023.

This massive growth will be driven by increased efficiencies, improved pedestrian and driver safety, cost reductions, and increased sustainability.

What are the benefits of AI in the transport industry?

The most important ones include:

• Cost reductions
• New efficiencies
• Versatility
• Sustainability (e.g., greener vehicles)
• Better customer service for consumers and businesses via chatbots and voicebots
• Faster deliveries
• Better security, 24/7
  
  

Use cases for AI in transportation

Predictive analytics can provide valuable insights into transport operations. This can help operators improve how vehicles work and forecast possible delays so routes can be changed.

Engineering, maintenance, traffic, and road data using IoT, visual sensors, and GPS can provide the transport industry with information to make better business decisions, reduce costs, and improve efficiencies.

Big data and intelligent AI algorithms can provide insights into vehicle speed, weather and road conditions, accidents, hazards, and improve traffic management. These solutions can also be used to lower CO2 emissions.

Big data analytics can pinpoint roads in need of the most repair. In Boston, United States, a mobile app called Speed Bump allows users to collect data and submit it as they’re driving. This has helped them fix road problems and plan longer-term improvements.

On the other hand, intelligent transportation systems (ITS) like Verizon Connect can connect cars with Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) data exchange. This can help alert other drivers to potential hazards, traffic conditions, and bridge clearance levels, improving ETAs and communication between drivers and customers.

In other news,

• Maritime transportation is another key area in which AI plays a key role. Intelligent sensors can send real-time data to headquarters to help in port management. Buoys can be equipped with sensors to monitor tide changes and water temperatures, while sensors on ships can help with decision making around maritime traffic.
• The first autonomous ship developed by Promare and IBM — The Mayflower — is currently being tested. The ship will be used to gather and analyse oceanographic data.

Autonomous cars, buses, and taxis are another problem-solving AI product. Fully autonomous buses already operate in Cambridge, run by Aurrigo, under the supervision of an inspector.

Volvo is developing a network of autonomous electric trucks called Veras which can carry out short-distance transportation — for example, between logistics centres and ports.

Also, self-driving cars such as Tesla are becoming familiar to most people, with brands including Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW, and Japanese manufacturers Toyota and Nissan also working on autonomous cars.

Challenges to AI in transportation

AI, ML, and Big data are changing the game in the transportation sector. This new technology has the potential to make transport quicker, cheaper, and safer.

However, new technology can’t be implemented overnight, and there will be time lags while companies catch up with the right skills.

Transport industry employees will need to understand all the concepts around AI, from Software Development to Data Science. AI is not a totally independent system and needs human control and assistance.

Another important issue is Cybersecurity, as just one mistake could have dire consequences, while advances in technology will bring with them increased incidences of cybercrimes. Employees will need to be trained to maintain and protect systems.

So, is your company ready for AI?

For the past eleven years in a row, we’ve been named one of the Top 20 IT Training Companies in the World. We offer accelerated, instructor-led courses in all aspects of AI, Data Science, Machine Learning, and Cybersecurity. Perhaps one of them is right for your team? Get in touch today for a specialized quote.