Signal 2: Real Time Traffic Signal Control for Emergency Services — Surtrac 2.0

An innovative traffic signal control approach uses research from Carnegie Mellon University’s Traffic 21 center for artificial intelligence and traffic theory. It optimizes the performance of traffic signals improving the flow of traffic in any city. Thus resulting in decreased congestion, lower waiting times, shorter trips and satisfied drivers. It treats signal control as a machine scheduling problem.Link to webpage

The device basically senses real time traffic information through its patented robotic system and gets all its data on its API. It then creates an optimization plan and sends the commands to the intersection signal controller.

Surtrac is implemented using a decentralized system which reduces costs and implementation risks. It is designed to optimize all modes of traffic including pedestrians, bicycles, CAV’s and transit and was implemented at the City of Pittsburgh in over 50 intersections.

Although it reduces traffic congestion, it does not serve well for emergency services like Ambulances and police cars. The patented system if, was able to recognize ambulances through its detection software, its traffic theory could be modified to let emergency vehicles pass by faster, thus drastically reducing response times and thus potential lives.