AI traffic lights trialled in Moreton Bay
Australia is set to trial Artificial Intelligence intersections with traffic lights that can see you coming and change to green.
The trial will take place in Moreton Bay, Queensland, and will be the first of its kind in the country, conducted on a small intersection in Petrie, at the junction of Paper Avenue and Moreton Parade.
This intersection was chosen because it’s not on main transport routes, allowing for a safe environment to test the technology with regular, but light traffic.
How the System Works
The system, provided by Austrian traffic technology company SWARCO, uses camera sensors to provide live data to intelligent software that can manage traffic flow at intersections.
The AI can identify all types of road users, from buses and trucks to motorbikes, bicycles, and pedestrians, and learns how the traffic flows over the day.
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It reacts autonomously depending on the situation, meaning drivers won’t be left waiting for a green light at an empty intersection late at night, as the traffic lights can see them approaching and flick to green to let them through.
The same applies to pedestrians, with the system seeing them approach and ensuring a safe time for them to cross.
The AI traffic lights can also recognize emergency vehicles and help clear the way for them, which is a significant advantage in emergency situations.
Trials and Future Plans
The test in Moreton Bay will run from September 2026 and finish in 2029.
Later this year, a larger $15m trial will begin in Brisbane, which will encompass road corridors, not just an individual intersection, where AI systems become even more useful in managing traffic flow.
Other states are also currently trialling AI, but not on the same scale, with NSW testing thermal imaging and camera systems for cyclists, while some European countries have already adopted the AI traffic systems.
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Specific locations in the United States have recently started using intelligent intersections too.
Benefits of the New System
The new system has the potential to greatly improve traffic flow and reduce congestion by learning how traffic flows over the day and optimizing the timing of the traffic lights.
As the technology continues to develop, it’s likely that we’ll see more widespread adoption of AI traffic lights in Australia and around the world.
The trial in Moreton Bay is an important step in this process, and will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the technology in a real-world setting.
Overall, the new AI traffic light system has the potential to make a significant impact on traffic management in Australia.
