Driving Innovation

In addition to LPR, AI is making strides in recognizing vehicles through other means, such as vehicle shape and color analysis. This approach enhances identification in cases where LPR may not be feasible, ensuring that no vehicle goes unnoticed in parking facilities. In the past several years, as curb management has proven to be an important issue in our industry, many new technology players have brought forward solutions using AI to better manage the curb. Image-based curb management technologies use video analytics to identify and distinguish between various curb activities. For example, are we seeing a delivery vehicle making a delivery or is it a disabled box truck that is stuck along the curb? The use of AI in getting a better and more robust understanding of our curb has been informative and game changing for the management of it.

Computer vision systems powered by AI can accurately identify and track not only vehicles but also pedestrians, enhancing safety and security on the roads. This technology is instrumental in developing advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and supporting the implementation of smart city initiatives focused on pedestrian safety.

AI’s pattern matching capabilities are invaluable for identifying irregularities in parking facilities. As an example, AI can detect unauthorized vehicles or unusual parking patterns, aiding in maintaining security and efficiency. This technology provides parking operators with real-time insights, enabling them to take prompt action when necessary. More recently, this technology is being used to detect suspicious or concerning behavior amongst people of interest; preventing injury or crime.

With the increasing popularity of cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation, AI plays a crucial role in managing bike lanes efficiently. Equipped with sensors and cameras, AI algorithms can monitor bike lanes, alerting authorities to any obstructions and ensuring the safety of cyclists.

Dynamic pricing is another area where AI is helping parking. Real-time data analysis allows parking operators in either an off-street or on-street environment to adjust prices based on demand, encouraging efficient use of parking spaces and reducing congestion during peak hours. This not only benefits parking operators but also provides a more convenient and cost-effective experience for drivers.

When it comes to our city streets, AI is making a significant impact in traffic congestion management. Through advanced algorithms and real-time data analysis, AI systems can predict traffic patterns, identify congestion points, and suggest alternative routes for vehicles. This not only helps in reducing the time spent in traffic but also contributes to a more efficient and streamlined flow of vehicles on the roads. Cities are increasingly adopting smart traffic management systems powered by AI to alleviate congestion issues.

Beyond these specific applications, AI-generated analytics offer a broader perspective on the use of urban space. By analyzing data from various sensors and cameras, AI generates insights into traffic patterns, parking occupancy, and user behavior. This valuable information empowers the parking and mobility industry to make informed decisions about urban design, parking policies, and transportation infrastructure, ultimately leading to more efficient and sustainable cities.

Impact on Productivity

AI has the potential to significantly impact the parking, transportation, and mobility industry by enhancing productivity. Through automation and streamlining processes, AI can improve the operations of parking facilities and transportation systems.

AI-powered solutions are already optimizing space utilization, reducing congestion, and enhancing the overall customer experience. Smart parking systems equipped with AI can analyze real-time data, predict peak hours, and adjust pricing dynamically to ensure optimal utilization of parking spaces. These tasks, which were previously time-consuming and required manual intervention, can now be done instantaneously with minimal human involvement.

One area with immense potential is the use of Generative AI to help novice Excel users become “power users.” Generative AI tools can analyze parking transaction trends with simple prompts, empowering parking operations teams with limited Excel knowledge to perform powerful data analysis.

AI is also reshaping job functions in customer service, data analytics, and job creation. AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants enhance customer service by providing real-time assistance and answering queries, freeing up human staff to focus on more complex tasks. Data analytics powered by AI can offer insights into parking patterns, user behavior, and traffic trends, enabling better decision-making and optimizing parking space utilization.

While AI streamlines certain job functions, it also creates new roles in machine learning, data science, and AI engineering. These advancements open opportunities for specialized jobs, contributing to economic growth and innovation.

However, concerns about job displacement persist. Routine tasks like manual ticketing or basic customer inquiries may decline, potentially affecting certain roles. To address this, reskilling and upskilling initiatives are necessary to prepare the workforce for evolving job demands, ensuring a smooth transition and a balance between technological progress and job stability.

It is important to note that certain job functions involving human interaction and personalized customer service are less likely to be impacted by AI. These roles require empathy, understanding, and a personal touch that AI cannot replicate. Therefore, while AI will transform parts of the parking and mobility industry, there will always be a need for human involvement to provide exceptional client service and address unique customer needs.