Nonprofit, US Ignite will advise the city on
the road safety project.
SAN JOSÉ, Calif.,
Aug. 1,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today the Toyota Mobility
Foundation (TMF) and US Ignite proudly announce that the City of
San José, California has been
awarded a $260,000 grant from TMF to
explore advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and computer vision
technologies to improve local traffic safety. This initiative will
leverage these technologies to automatically detect road
obstructions and other road hazards that may impact vulnerable road
users like cyclists and pedestrians.
"Applying AI to advance road safety embodies our commitment to
creating and ensuring mobility for all, fostering active mobility,
and improving safety," said William
Chernicoff, TMF's Senior Manager for Global Research and
Americas Projects. "For the City of San José to achieve its
goal of better safeguarding vulnerable road users, people must
trust the infrastructure, as reflected in its safety, security,
reliability, and robustness. We are excited to share our know-how
and collaborate with San José to make roads safer and higher
performing for all."
Illegal parking in bike lanes and the dumping of large objects,
such as mattresses and furniture, pose significant risks to
motorcyclists, bikers, pedestrians, scooter riders, and individuals
using wheelchairs or other assistive mobility devices. To combat
these issues, San José will evaluate and assess the responsible
utilization of AI and computer vision to quickly identify and
address obstructions in bike lanes including how the software
ensures the privacy of the public. The desired outcome of the
AI-powered solution is to enable staff to improve service delivery
by reallocating staff resources from identifying problems to
resolving them.
"Leveraging AI to keep our bike lanes clear not only enhances
public safety but also exemplifies San José's commitment to
innovative solutions," said Mayor Matt
Mahan. "We are excited to work with Toyota Mobility
Foundation and US Ignite to make our city safer for all road
users."
"I am proud of the City of San José's Information Technology
Department for advancing our Transportation and Aviation Services
City Service Area," said City Manager Jennifer Maguire. "This grant enables us to
continue creating meaningful impact in San José by using AI
technology to enhance roadway safety in our communities and all who
live in our great city."
US Ignite, a nonprofit dedicated to helping communities address
tough technology innovation challenges, will support San José
leaders in this endeavor with resources, expert guidance, and
specific expertise in public safety, transportation, network
communications, civic engagement, and AI. Moreover, TMF relied on
US Ignite's expertise to scout potential projects and provide
recommendations.
"We completed an intensive assessment round to identify the
best-fitting project," said Nick
Maynard, US Ignite's CEO. "Ultimately, the City of San José
was selected because its proposed project demonstrated strength in
three key areas: magnitude of impact, likelihood of success, and
replicability."
By enhancing the City's ability to detect and address roadway
issues, officials expect to achieve long-term safety improvements
for walkers, cyclists, and other micromobility commuters in
San José and beyond.
Maynard also expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, saying,
"San José's pioneering use of AI for road safety aligns perfectly
with our mission. Their innovative approach will undoubtedly
inspire other cities to adopt similar technologies, driving
nationwide improvements in urban mobility and safety."
The AI and computer vision initiative aligns with the San José
2025 Better Bike Plan, which prioritizes safety, mode shift, and
equity, as well as the Vision Zero San José initiative to eliminate
traffic fatalities and severe injuries. TMF's grant will also allow
City staff to engage community-based organizations and other
stakeholders on the use of AI for the public good. Moreover,
officials plan to share their findings and models with partner
agencies across the nation, amplifying the project's impact.
About the City of San José
With almost one million
residents, San José is one of the most diverse large cities in
the United States and is
Northern California's largest city
and the 12th largest city in the nation. San José's transformation
into a global innovation center has resulted in one of the largest
concentrations of technology companies and expertise in the
world.
About Toyota Mobility Foundation
The Toyota Mobility
Foundation (TMF) was established in August
2014 by the Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) to support the
development of a more mobile society in which everyone can move
freely. The Foundation underscores TMC's on-going commitment to
continuous improvement and respect for people. It utilizes Toyota's
expertise and technologies to support strong mobility systems while
eliminating disparities in mobility. TMF works in partnership with
universities, governments, non-profits, research institutions and
other organizations, creating programs that are aligned with the UN
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to address mobility issues
around the world.
About US Ignite
US Ignite works closely with
communities, military bases, startups, and researchers to solve
their toughest economic development and technology innovation
challenges. Operating like a high-tech startup, our organization
delivers customized results through stakeholder engagement,
technical expertise, and targeted tools.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Amanda Roark
amanda.roark@toyota.com
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SOURCE Toyota Mobility Foundation