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Generative AI For Transport Logistics

The document discusses how generative AI could transform and optimize the transportation industry. It has the potential to personalize experiences, enhance safety, improve efficiency, and enable dynamic optimization of transportation systems in real-time. Some key applications mentioned include optimizing traffic lights, public transit schedules, shipping routes, and more. The document outlines steps such as embracing data responsibility, governance, and security to help organizations prepare for and responsibly implement generative AI.

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songulakdogaaan
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48 views

Generative AI For Transport Logistics

The document discusses how generative AI could transform and optimize the transportation industry. It has the potential to personalize experiences, enhance safety, improve efficiency, and enable dynamic optimization of transportation systems in real-time. Some key applications mentioned include optimizing traffic lights, public transit schedules, shipping routes, and more. The document outlines steps such as embracing data responsibility, governance, and security to help organizations prepare for and responsibly implement generative AI.

Uploaded by

songulakdogaaan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Generative AI Is Coming to The Transportation Industry-Is It Ready?

Timothy Papandreou

Mar 4, 2024,03:43pm EST

https://www.forbes.com/sites/timothypapandreou/2024/03/04/generative-ai-is-coming-to-
the-transportation-industry-is-it-ready/

The transportation industry, a multi-modal people and goods moving $10 trillion global system
of networks, grapples with a multitude of external and self-inflicted challenges: subsidies,
fragmented networks, modal wars, rising congestion, emissions, safety, and a myriad of
inefficiencies caused by outdated government policy. Traditional policy and technology
approaches have shown incremental progress in specific locations, but haven't achieved
widespread transformation. This is partly due to the inherent challenges of the transportation
industry, which relies heavily on public perception and behavior change.

The industry evokes a complex mix of emotions – from fascination to frustration, convenience
and cost. It's no surprise then, that navigating policy changes and technological advancements
can be a challenge. Policymakers and companies grapple with somewhat competing visions of
the industry while facing the realities of public affordability (transportation costs are often the
second-highest household expense) while delivery expenses are rapidly rising and under
scrutiny.

However, a new wave of innovation is poised to bridge this gap. Generative AI, a powerful blend
of policy and technology, promises to reorganize and optimize the way we move people and
goods. Will it work?

Why is Generative AI Different for Transportation?


Unlike traditional forecasting technologies that focus on analyzing existing data in discreet,
closed systems, generative AI delves into the realm of ideas and creation visualizing in real time
what is possible and then back it up with how, when & where. It’s accessibility to different users
of different backgrounds is what makes it special. It can be utilized by vehicle designers, urban
planners, community advocates, policy makers and the business community in real time. This
access unlocks information, access and collaboration on levels not yet seen before.

Most people are not well-versed in understanding policy documents with all their jargon or two-
dimensional design, architectural or construction plans, site plans or color-coded neighborhood
zoning maps. But people generally understand images and video with sound. As generative AI
utilizes powerful algorithms to analyze massive datasets and generate entirely new, realistic data
it can show people of different levels of understanding how the world around them might look
and feel using images and video in real time.

Gone are the days of two or three possible future scenarios, soon teams and community groups
will get together and imagine dozens of scenarios of their street, transport vehicle, service or
their site based on the shared values and outcomes they want to see. It may look very different
from what people envisioned or it may open minds to what else they haven’t considered.

Imagine AI not just crunching numbers on transport patterns, but also creating simulations of
future conditions based on historical data, weather forecasts, personal and cultural preferences
and real-time trends. This ability to create new from what exists around it is what makes
generative AI so valuable for the transportation sector.
Unique Attributes of Generative AI for Transportation:

Personalized Experiences beyond A to B: Generative AI is creating more refined personalized


routes for drivers and riders while optimizing movement on the network, insurance and the way
we communicate about our travels. This has shown potential to reduce travel time and fuel
consumption, reduce operating and insurance costs while increasing the safety performance of
the network. Generative AI can personalize out and in-vehicle experiences, suggesting next steps
based on your preferences, recommending eco-friendly routes with scenic or experiential
detours, or even tailoring traffic and surrounding cultural context information to individual
driving, riding and walking styles.

Enhanced Safety: By predicting potential issues like traffic crashes in high-risk zones or
mechanical failures based on sensor data, proactive counter measures can be taken. This not
only aligns with Vision Zero goals but also improves overall network efficiency by preventing
disruptions.

Improved Efficiency: Through analyzing various data points, generative AI can predict
maintenance needs for infrastructure and vehicles before they occur. This allows for preventive
measures to be taken, preventing breakdowns and shutdowns, and ensuring safer and more
reliable travel for people and goods.

Dynamic Optimization: Generative AI can optimize transport networks real-time by analyzing


traffic (personal and commercial vehicles) data, pedestrian crossings, and emergency vehicle
locations while understanding the context of the world’s real time events as a backdrop (eg:
upcoming major event, street closure etc).

Data-Driven Design: Generative AI goes beyond traditional models by creating detailed 3D


simulations of entire transportation systems, including vehicles, intersections, streets,
neighborhoods, and even cities. This allows urban planners to virtually test the impact (to all
supporting infrastructure systems) of new development, infrastructure projects, street traffic
calming measures, pedestrian-only or commercial loading zones, and parking management
strategies before breaking ground. Unlike traditional pilot programs, generative AI can run
dozens of simulations simultaneously, considering factors like environmental impact, energy
efficiency, resiliency and material waste minimization. This comprehensive approach helps
identify potential issues and optimize designs upfront, reducing the risk of unforeseen problems
and costly revisions later.

Building upon the understanding of generative AI's unique capabilities for transportation, I’ve
been exploring its potential applications across specific transportation modes:

Streets & Roads: Dynamically adjust traffic lights, optimize lane usage, and suggest alternative
routes, mitigating congestion in real-time.

Public Transport: Predict future demand and optimize schedules and electric fleets, 3D
visualization, ensuring sufficient capacity and reducing wait times

Aviation: Recommend fuel-efficient routes while minimizing contrails, reducing operating costs
and emissions while the sector transitions.

Delivery: Forecast demand, virtual loading zones and optimize fleets, utilizing various options
like vans, cargo bikes, and drones for efficient, timely deliveries with minimal community and
network impact.
High-Speed Rail: Predict potential maintenance needs, minimizing disruptions and enhancing
safety for passengers and staff.

Shipping: Optimize cargo loading and unloading processes at ports, minimize turnaround times,
and recommend fuel-efficient routes for ships.

Construction: Create 3D simulations of construction projects to optimize workflows, identify


potential challenges, and improve safety planning.

Mining: Design optimal mining routes to maximize resource extraction while minimizing
environmental impact.

Waste Management: Optimize waste collection routes based on real-time bin fill levels, reducing
inefficiencies and environmental impact.

Generative AI is starting to being applied to all parts of the transportation industry.


This is just a sample of ideas coming forward. We can imagine a transportation system that
seamlessly adjusts traffic flow, predicts maintenance needs before breakdowns occur, and even
tailors your commute experience. Generative AI, is a powerful new technology and holds the
potential to optimize every aspect of how we move people and goods. While still in its early
stages, we've only just begun to scratch the surface of its possibilities. Beyond optimizing daily
operations, generative AI can unlock strategic game-changers for the future.

But harnessing this potential requires more than just technology. It demands a people-first
approach. We need to understand not just the "what" of generative AI (how it can optimize
routes) but also the "why" (how it impacts our lives). What does this mean for you? To help you
navigate this coming wave of AI, I've distilled key actions from my workshops into a practical
action plan. Here's how you can prepare for the generative AI entry in transportation:

Embrace Data Responsibility: Without data there is no AI


Champion Data Governance: Advocate for robust data and AI policy frameworks that ensure
responsible data collection, storage, and usage practices.

Invest in Data Security: Protect sensitive data from breaches and misuse through robust security
measures, including how your teams use it at work and home.

Upskill and Empower:


Upskill the Workforce: Provide training in data analysis, AI collaboration, and the ethical
considerations of this technology. This is not about us all becoming computer scientists- its
actually drawing from your humanities background skills more than anything.

Embrace Data Literacy: Encourage widespread understanding of how data is collected, used, and
protected and its implications.

Foster Innovation and Collaboration:


Invest in Training: Support initiatives that equip teams and stakeholders with the skills to
leverage AI responsibly and ethically.
Promote Transparency: Foster open communication about AI implementation, addressing public
concerns and building trust.

Encourage Pilot Projects: Experimentation is better than 1,000 assumptions. It allows refining
ideas to implementation strategies and unlocking generative AI's potential.

Generative AI in transportation is already underway-let’s get ready


This glimpse into generative AI's potential for transportation is just the beginning. As this
emerging technology matures, I'll keep you updated on its advancements. While there are
challenges to address, generative AI holds immense potential for a greener, and more equitable
transportation future- if we want that.

By proactively embracing both the limitations and opportunities of generative AI, we can work
together to unlock its true potential. Its up to us to navigate this coming wave responsibly,
ensuring that generative AI becomes a force for positive change in transportation. Together, if
we can put our differences aside, we can collectively shape a transportation landscape built on
trust, responsible practices, and a shared vision of a better tomorrow.

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