Implementing AI: Not a Race, but a Journey
Exploring how governments are implementing AI strategically, not just swiftly, from traffic lights to pothole repairs
It’s already the first Wednesday of the month — hello, May! — which means we focus TL;dr on all things artificial intelligence. We start with what may be a contrarian notion for some: it’s not so important to be first with AI as it is to get it right. We follow with two articles on how AI-powered tools are helping cities deal with the bread-and-butter issues of traffic management and street maintenance. Let’s boot up and jump in.
‘Artificial intelligence is not innovation,’ it’s a tool. How governments use it will vary.
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you’ve got to jump on the AI bandwagon ASAP. In an April 12 article for Route Fifty, Chris Teale talks to local government experts who emphasize a tailored application of AI based on each agency’s unique needs and circumstances is more important than being first in the pool.
AI Should be a Stepping Stone to a Larger Objective. David Graham, chief innovation officer for Carlsbad, California, stresses that “Artificial intelligence is not innovation. Technology is a tool. AI is a tool. Generative AI is a tool.” AI is a means to an end, rather than an end in itself, which should shape how governments plan their AI strategies.
Varied Needs and Applications. Different governments will have different AI needs and capabilities, affecting how they should approach technology adoption. Graham advises against the adoption of uniform best practices, suggesting instead each agency should consider its specific circumstances: “Oftentimes in technology … it’s like, ‘Oh, well, those cities did it, where this is the best practice or this is what we shouldn’t be doing.’ And we feel like we’re having to stretch and reach. This is the space, I would say, [where] that is not going to be the case.”
Local Autonomy in AI Implementation. Highlighting the need for local initiative, Graham urges agencies not to wait for federal or state directives but to explore AI solutions that best suit their individual needs. Lori Freeman, CEO of the National Association of City and County Health Officials, emphasizes AI tools must be carefully considered before implementation, especially in diverse environments like health departments: “We can’t think of the United States as this one level playing field [where] everybody has access to all these wonderful tools and everybody listens to them the same way, follows the advice the same,” she said. “It's very different from jurisdiction to jurisdiction across this country.”
I wholeheartedly agree with the idea that there’s not a one-size-fits-all approach — different agencies have varying degrees of financial resources, IT expertise, etc., but be careful you don’t fall into the “ready, aim, aim, aim” mode of implementation.
Cities Turn to AI to Cut Down on Traffic, Accidents
Amber Gaudet of the Dallas Morning News reports on the adoption of AI-powered technology by a number of cities in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex to address traffic issues exacerbated by growth and the need to enhance safety. The cities, including Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth, Garland, and McKinney, are using a platform called NoTraffic, which utilizes sensors and cameras at intersections to optimize traffic signal timing based on real-time conditions. Here are three takeaways:
AI as a Force Multiplier for Traffic Management: The AI-powered platform can extend yellow lights when necessary, prioritize emergency vehicles, and improve pedestrian safety. The system allows for real-time adjustments to traffic light timings based on immediate traffic conditions, which can improve flow and safety.
Benefits Beyond Improved Traffic Flow: The use of AI in traffic management contributes to significant savings in fuel costs and reductions in emissions. For example, a case study in Redlands, California, showed a reduction of 11 tons of emissions and significant cuts in delay times over two months.
Future Expansion and Integration: Arlington plans to expand the implementation of NoTraffic across many more intersections, integrating it with existing traffic systems without needing extensive new hardware. I absolutely love that you can leverage existing infrastructure alongside new technology to meet current traffic demands and safety standards.
While some residents may have qualms about government use of AI, I’m guessing no one in these fast-growing cities will complain about improved traffic flow, reduced emissions and saving money at the pump.
How AI is Paving the Way to Smoother Streets Using Autonomous Robots
Kurt Knutsson, Fox News CyberGuy, reports on the Autonomous Road Repair System (ARRES), designed to tackle potholes and other road surface issues by coupling advanced robotics with AI. The technology has been developed in collaboration with the University of Liverpool and Hertfordshire County Council Highways Engineers in the United Kingdom.
Autonomous Use of AI and Robotics: ARRES integrates AI and unmanned robotic vehicles to identify and repair road damage, marking a significant advancement in infrastructure management. This system operates autonomously, scanning roads and performing repairs with minimal human intervention, which could revolutionize how municipalities handle road maintenance.
Proactive Damage Prevention: ARRES can seal small cracks before they develop into larger potholes. By addressing problems early, ARRES can prevent the deterioration of road surfaces, extending their lifespan and reducing the frequency and cost of repairs.
Potential for Widespread Impact: The successful deployment of ARRES could have a significant impact on road safety and maintenance costs. By reducing the labor-intensive aspects of road repair and enhancing the efficiency of maintenance tasks, ARRES holds the promise of transforming road maintenance practices worldwide.
Anything that improves and lowers the cost of street maintenance is a huge win for local governments. You can read more about ARRES here.
More Goodness: Here are a couple of other AI resources worth your time: IMCA’s Voices in Local Government just released a podcast on the GovAI Coalition while 3CMA recently held a members-only webinar on its Facebook group on the Power of Prompting: Techniques to Transform AI Interactions.
In Other’s Words
Renown mathematician Georg Cantor (1845 - 1918) on the skill necessary to uncover the true nature of a difficult issue.
In mathematics the art of asking questions is more valuable than solving problems.
Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius on where to focus your efforts when times get tough.
You have power over your mind — not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.
Author James Clear on time management.
I have learned that whenever I think ‘I don’t have enough time to do that’ what I usually mean is ‘I don’t have enough energy’ or ‘I am not actually interested in doing this.’
What I need to do a better job of is not managing my time, but rather caring for myself and identifying my true interests. When I am well rested and working on something I am genuinely excited about, finding time is rarely a problem.
Onward and Upward.