https://instagr.am/p/DXNDjgXGmR8

Aggie71013 said:

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Seems expensive for 17 lights unless it gets cheaper as you scale. That barley covers Smith Street through downtown.

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This is what I am thinking. That is about 42k per intersection. It should be just loading software onto the computers. Maybe replacing the computers with more capable machines. 42k will buy a hell of a computer. It's not like they are writing programs for each intersection. They are just loading and installing.

Well the city council has effectively removed itself from important decision making and safety. Can't wait for these bribed ingrates to resign their positions because AI has effectively done their jobs for them. I'm sure the full resignations for all members will be coming soon.

don't need AI, just put in roundabouts everywhere.

Charlie Murphy said:

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Seems like a no brainer honestly. I assume you don't really need a whole lot of "AI" to figure out that there is no use for someone to sit at a red light for two minutes when there is no other traffic.

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How does the AI learn that there is someone sitting at the light? If it's some trigger like detecting weight or a camera, why is AI needed? Seems like a pretty straight forward program.

Gaeilge said:

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I have zero confidence in this city to install and administer this effectively and responsibly.

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They do not. Contractors do it now and in the future. Same with every other critical service provided.

Flashdiaz said:

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don't need AI, just put in roundabouts everywhere.

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I used to work in CityCentre...after seeing so many stupid maneuvers around that roundabout....that would be scary!

It would also be entertaining

Harris County is the worst with this. Every light around me seems to be getting worse on timing with anamolous behavior, I report it, and nothing ever happens.

Bondag said:

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Marsh said:

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Seems like another massive boondoggle by the city, this time utilizing the "AI" buzz word.

I liked the old website they had where you could report out of sync traffic lights. Seems like those traffic lights were fixed within 24 hrs within me (and others) reporting it.

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You used to be able to go 30 MPH from one end of downtown to the other, then they installed the light rail.

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Martin Q. Blank said:

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Charlie Murphy said:

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Seems like a no brainer honestly. I assume you don't really need a whole lot of "AI" to figure out that there is no use for someone to sit at a red light for two minutes when there is no other traffic.

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How does the AI learn that there is someone sitting at the light? If it's some trigger like detecting weight or a camera, why is AI needed? Seems like a pretty straight forward program.

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I would imagine sensors/cameras would work with the AI system to make the lights more intelligent.

A sensor can tell you if there's a car at the light and change the rotation, but that takes time.

AI detecting traffic patterns over a period of time and adjusting the cycles to the most likely patterns could be very useful. They can also all talk to each other.

Maybe AI can fix why I sit at one light and then catch the next one, sit at it, and then catch the next one, sit at that one, and then catch the next one.

^ Maybe that IS AI.

aTm2004 said:

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Maybe AI can fix why I sit at one light and then catch the next one, sit at it, and then catch the next one, sit at that one, and then catch the next one.

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When they redid SH 35/Telephone through Pearland the signal contractor had the lights set up so you could flow down Telelphone from the Beltway to Broadway without stopping.

The city had them come back in and change it so you had to stop. Not sure if it was a "safety" thing to slow people down or they wanted people stopping and looking at businesses but they purposely messed up the traffic flow.

There goes fast travel through downtown. It was nice while it lasted.

Nagler said:

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aTm2004 said:

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Maybe AI can fix why I sit at one light and then catch the next one, sit at it, and then catch the next one, sit at that one, and then catch the next one.

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When they redid SH 35/Telephone through Pearland the signal contractor had the lights set up so you could flow down Telelphone from the Beltway to Broadway without stopping.

The city had them come back in and change it so you had to stop. Not sure if it was a "safety" thing to slow people down or they wanted people stopping and looking at businesses but they purposely messed up the traffic flow.

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I drive 35 most days to get home. The signal at the flea market has broken detection so it gives the flea market a green when no one is there. COP needs to fix it but they suck. Best thing to do is call the number on the signal box and complain.

Most of the other signals generally work ok. The trains can really do a number on the intersections around 518 especially at rush hour.

Signed a former traffic Engineer

Martin Q. Blank said:

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Charlie Murphy said:

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Seems like a no brainer honestly. I assume you don't really need a whole lot of "AI" to figure out that there is no use for someone to sit at a red light for two minutes when there is no other traffic.

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How does the AI learn that there is someone sitting at the light? If it's some trigger like detecting weight or a camera, why is AI needed? Seems like a pretty straight forward program.

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Sort of my point and why I put AI in quotes. There's a trend now to label anything new AI even if it's relatively basic computing. Maybe there is some embedded machine learning that give the system better predictability or advanced modeling capabilities?

Additionally, without reading the article, the cost may seem high if this is a Proof of Concept vs a full scale deployment. A lot of times the tech companies will tend to bid those on the higher end given the amount of work on the backend. Essentially, they have to dedicate a lot of resources while not knowing if the customer attends to adopt even if the trial is a success.

Can we get some of this in Mo city? Tired of 1 car turning out of a Walmart causing 50 plus cars to stop on highway 6 or consecutive stop lights being poorly synced and stopping traffic even when green.