Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (left) and Ranking Member Rick Larsen hear from stakeholders during a roundtable discussion April 16 (Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, via X)
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WASHINGTON — The U.S. House of Representatives Transportation Committee recently received a brief from stakeholders on the role of artificial intelligence in connectivity corridors.
At the April 16 Transportation and Infrastructure Committee meeting, advocacy groups, labor groups, and private sector stakeholders appeared to inform lawmakers about AI technology ahead of updates to the Highway Policy Act.
Congressional policymakers are expected to draft a multiyear highway policy bill as early as next year. The measures will also include AI regulations specific to self-driving technology. Adopting a national communication framework would impose guidelines on the operation of self-driving cars.
“Things we thought were impossible are regularly happening right in front of our eyes. [Artificial intelligence] is currently being deployed across the transportation industry to improve traffic management strategies and supply chain efficiency, reduce delivery times for infrastructure projects, promote road safety, and support the workforce. But this is just the beginning,” committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-Missouri) told his colleagues at an April 16 roundtable.
This week my colleague and I attended an event @TransportGOP A roundtable discussion on the impact of artificial intelligence on transportation, presenting opportunities for improved safety and efficiency. pic.twitter.com/wzVheZCCUv
— Congressman Mike Collins (@RepMikeCollins) April 17, 2024
“We need to inform Congress about the future of AI capabilities. We don’t want to over-regulate, but we also need to understand what parameters and guidelines will work for the evolving transportation industry.” Mr. Graves continued.
AI applications are expected to improve the efficiency of key freight technologies such as self-driving commercial vehicles. Increased access to AI also promises to improve interoperability and security.
“Increased efficiency means more road, bridge, transit, and rail improvements are completed on time and on budget,” said Rep. Rick Larsen, ranking member of the committee. (Democrat of Washington) said.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly evolving and impacting many aspects of transportation, from supply chains to self-driving vehicles.
In today's roundtable, @TranchDems and @TransportGOP We discussed AI in transportation systems and its impact on economics and public safety. pic.twitter.com/3Sl2wqf0g6
— Transportation Infrastructure Committee (@TransportDems) April 16, 2024
“The safety and efficiency benefits of AI are natural. People and goods move across this country through dynamic, interconnected networks, often at high speeds,” he continued. “AI can only produce widespread and equitable mobility improvements if the right data and assumptions underpin the system. We need to build large transportation-specific datasets, and AI We need to train algorithms to be free of bias.”
Industry players pressed policymakers to continue considering the topic, touting the potential of AI to improve freight connectivity and commuter safety. AFL-CIO Transportation and Trade Bureau Chief of Staff Matthew Colvin participated in the roundtable. “I think there's probably a significant knowledge gap, you know, even in transportation, I think they're struggling with the resources they already have, but also in local government, and certainly in the federal government. Well, that’s not true.”
Laura Chase, president and CEO of the American Institute for Intelligent Transportation, promoted the dynamism of the technology.
“AI is a software-based product,” she said. “And what you're talking about is sourcing dynamic assets that actually improve performance over time.”
Chace added: It also requires more regular maintenance from a cybersecurity and privacy perspective, as well as updated data. All these characteristics are not found in hard infrastructure.
Volvo's Chayene de Souza and Magnus Gustafson discuss how new connected trucks can boost business, enhance safety practices and enhance preventive maintenance plans. Listen above or by visiting RoadSigns.ttnews.com.
“So I think we need to think a little bit differently about how software-based solutions can be financed, allocated and procured.”
Over the next few months, a group of members of Congress will develop recommendations for legislation for AI applications. Earlier this year, House leaders established a bipartisan task force on AI. Chairman Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) said he expects the task force to develop meaningful guidelines and instructions to advance the technology.
In February, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “Advances in artificial intelligence have the potential to rapidly transform our economies and societies, and we need Congress to work together on a bipartisan basis to understand both the promise and the complexities of this transformation.” It is important to plan accordingly.” technology. ”
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