The City of San Jose prides itself on its innovative approach to systems, and it is currently embarking on a pilot project to explore the potential of AI in addressing issues on city roads.
Located in Silicon Valley, where tech companies are at the forefront of utilizing AI technology, San Jose aims to stay at the forefront of this trend.
Khaled Tawfik, the city’s primary data agent, views this initiative as a competition and is eager to see the capabilities that AI can offer.
The objective is for AI to proactively identify minor issues before they escalate into major problems, ranging from potholes and road markings to homeless encampments.
Among the five participating businesses in the pilot program is Blue Dome Technologies, which is currently focused on detecting road accidents but is expanding its model to recognize various issues, including the growth of homeless encampments.
Blue Dome’s approach involves equipping city vehicles with a user-friendly Get Pro lens for drivers to upload videos, enabling the identification of emerging concerns.
Another company, Ash Cameras, utilizes a combination of devices, beams, and receptors to enhance building security while also addressing city needs.
Kenneth Salsman, Chief Technology Officer of Ash Sensors, emphasizes the importance of training AI to differentiate various objects and phenomena, such as potholes, towers, and graffiti.
Despite conducting only three test runs with a single camera-equipped vehicle, concerns have been raised by advocates who believe that addressing homelessness requires more than just technological solutions.
Poor advocate Scott Wagers emphasizes the importance of providing housing for unhoused individuals as a fundamental solution to homelessness, highlighting the broader social issues at play.
City officials acknowledge the potential risks associated with AI, including privacy and bias concerns, underscoring the importance of careful planning and transparency in implementing AI technologies.
The duration of the pilot project remains unspecified, with city leaders recognizing the need for thorough evaluation before making any decisions. They anticipate implementing a flexible payment process based on the project’s outcomes.
Furthermore, the data collected through this pilot initiative is seen as a valuable resource that could benefit other municipalities in the future, serving as a benchmark for similar AI applications.
