Can AI Better Manage Traffic Lights Time And Cut Fuel Use? Google Says Yes After Israel Test

Google claims it was able to cut fuel use and traffic delays by 10-20% at 4 locations in Israel by using AI to optimise signal lights. It now plans to use the software in Rio de Janeiro

Representational image of rush-hour traffic in Israel's Tel Aviv | Photo: Getty

New Delhi: Alphabet Inc's Google claims artificial intelligence can be employed to time traffic signal lights more efficiently, and now plans to use its software in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro after a test run in Israel. 

In a statement Wednesday, Google said it was able to cut fuel use and traffic delays by 10 per cent to 20 per cent at four locations in Israel by using AI to optimise signal lights.

The project is among Google’s new software initiatives to fight climate change issues. 

“...we’re finding ways to make routes more efficient, across an entire city, with early research into using artificial intelligence to optimize the efficiency of traffic lights,” Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, said in a statement. 

He added: “We’ve been piloting this research in Israel to predict traffic conditions and improve the timing of when traffic lights change. So far, we are seeing a 10-20% reduction in fuel consumption and delay time at intersections. We’re excited to expand these pilots to Rio de Janeiro and beyond.”

The project was tested in Israel's Haifa and Beer-Sheva, according to a Reuters report

Based on the results, the municipal traffic authority in Rio de Janeiro has reportedly expressed high hopes that AI will better time its traffic signals.

It told Reuters that the system should be introduced within months, and that locations would be announced soon.

‘More Sustainable Choices by 2022’

Stressing the need for “urgent and meaningful solutions” to address the climate change challenge, Google Wednesday shared a number of new ways that people can use its products to make sustainable choices. 

In the coming weeks, Google plans to allow its Nest thermostat users to buy renewable energy credits for $10/month to offset emissions from heating and cooling, the Reuters report said.

Quoting the company, the report said credits will come from projects in Texas, including Bethel Wind Farm and Roseland Solar, and a majority of the funds will go toward credit purchases and utility-bill payment costs.

The company is also introducing new features to book flights or purchase appliances that have lower carbon footprints, and rolled out an eco-friendly routing on Google Maps Wednesday. 

“And when people come to Google Search with questions about climate change, we’ll show authoritative information from sources like the United Nations,” Pichai said, adding that it’s part of Google’s goal to help 1 billion people make more sustainable choices by 2022.