CHICAGO (WLS) — The City of Chicago has signed a written agreement to explore ways to use artificial intelligence in road operations.
Mayor Brandon Johnson attended Tuesday morning’s meeting and said the technology could help the city’s Department of Vehicle and Facilities Management improve driver safety and increase cost efficiency.
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Samsara provides the technology.
They demonstrated new pothole detection tools that include sensors and video technology. This allows the city to accurately record the location of potholes at any point in the area and quickly fill them.
The same could be done to modernize snow removal and garbage collection.
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Samsara has also introduced a safety tool for school bus drivers that uses AI to detect driver drowsiness.
Company executives say their platform has been successful in other cities, including Kalamazoo, Michigan. New Orleans, Louisiana. and Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Mayor Johnson said the city of Chicago is also working on innovations and this system has the potential to improve road safety.
“We have become a city known for our ability to host iconic events and conferences, our world-class transportation system, and our leadership in the use of new and innovative technology. And today, we are applying that same ethos to modernize government operations,” Johnson said.
The city has not officially said when the AI technology will be implemented, only that it is considering potential uses.
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