The Technology section is published with the support of Favbet Tech
Researchers propose adding a fourth light to the traffic light – for cars with autopilot. The new signal, possibly white, will signal when there are enough autonomous vehicles on the road to make traffic adjustments.
Self-driving cars could lead to major changes to traffic signals, which were developed more than 100 years ago, researchers say. Henry Liu, a civil engineering professor at the University of Michigan and lead researcher, suggests that implementation of the new traffic signal system may be closer than expected.
University of Michigan researchers led by Liu implemented a pilot program in the Detroit suburb of Birmingham. They used data on the speed and location of General Motors vehicles to adjust the timing of traffic lights. Although only 6% of Birmingham's vehicles are connected to GM's system, enough data has been collected to adjust traffic light timings and improve traffic flow.
In Birmingham, like more than half the country, 34 traffic lights operate on a fixed schedule with no cameras or sensors to monitor traffic. Although more advanced options exist, they require expensive and complex infrastructure changes.
“The advantage of this method is that you don't have to do anything with the infrastructure … The data comes not from the infrastructure, but from the car companies,” says Liu.
Danielle Denault, traffic safety director for the Road Commission in Oakland County, Michigan, noted that even minor changes to green light times in Birmingham have reduced traffic congestion. Thanks to future research funded by grants, there are plans to automate traffic lights elsewhere in the county, possibly leading to greater improvements.
QA Manual Course (PZ manual testing) from Powercode academy. Learn how to find solutions and control the content of websites and add-ons. Sign up for a course
Fourth traffic light signal
At North Carolina State University, a team led by Ali Hajbabai, assistant professor of engineering, is exploring a different approach. Instead of adjusting existing traffic signals, Hajbabai suggests adding a fourth light, perhaps white, to signal when there are enough autonomous vehicles on the road to direct traffic.
“When we reach an intersection, we stop if it is red and walk if it is green. But if the white light is active, you just keep an eye on the car ahead,” — explained Hadjbabai.
At the same time, the specific color of the light is not important – the most important thing is to ensure a general understanding and perception of the new system. The researchers acknowledge that such an approach could take several years to implement, since it would require 40% to 50% of the vehicles on the road to be autonomous to operate effectively.
QA Manual Course (PZ manual testing) from Powercode academy. Learn how to find solutions and control the content of websites and add-ons. Sign up for a course
Favbet Tech is IT a company with 100% Ukrainian DNA, which creates perfect services for iGaming and Betting using advanced technologies and provides access to them. Favbet Tech develops innovative software through a complex multi-component platform that can withstand enormous loads and create a unique experience for players. The IT company is part of the FAVBET group of companies.