According to numerous predictions, including Stanford University’s Automotive Research lab, there will be approximately 10 million self-driving cars on the road in 2020. These vehicles can almost completely power themselves, while drivers are still able to intervene when necessary. But that’s not the only way artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the transportation industry. From improving safety to monitoring traffic, the technology presents a number of opportunities for both businesses and consumers.
AI is not without its hurdles — for one, it demands highly-skilled, specialized workers to make these solutions possible. As AI presents an increasing number of opportunities for the transportation industry, businesses looking to leverage the technology are turning to IT staffing services to find them the best talent to develop and implement it.
Given the lucrative possibilities for the industry, which is expected to be worth $3.5 billion by 2023, organizations that do manage to make use of AI will gain or maintain a competitive advantage in the market.
Top uses of AI in the transportation industry
Self-automated vehicles
Self-driving cars are the most recognizable AI-powered advancement in the transportation industry, and it’s no wonder: driverless vehicles are becoming mainstream, with autonomous trucks, taxis, and other vehicles making their way into the fold. While there was some fear surrounding these seemingly futuristic automobiles when they were initially introduced, features including the driver’s ability to take control of them when necessary give drivers peace of mind.
IT staffing services can help businesses looking to go the way of Tesla, BMW, and others identify the talent to develop this technology, which presents plenty of opportunities, including cutting costs. For example, the need for truck drivers will decrease, reducing personnel expenses substantially.
Traffic control
Through AI-powered sensors and controls, organizations can collect data on traffic patterns on the roads and railways. On the automobile side, this data can help them inform commuters about congestion and accidents and help them determine the best route to take ahead of time. For railways, AI can help predict when maintenance is necessary and manage passenger flow.
Safety of pedestrians and the public
Safety is one of the most important reasons why businesses need IT staffing services to bring them specialized computer scientists and developers. Already, AI is helping predict the behavior of pedestrians and vehicles, sending information to vehicles to avoid accidents. Moreover, roads can be equipped with cameras and sensors to predict emergency situations about crime and accidents in general, enabling cities to better patrol their streets and highways.
Airplane automation assistance
The power of AI can be extended to airplanes, too. Current automation assists pilots with typical situations and flight patterns, but using sensors and other equipment, AI could help in an emergency and unique circumstances, taking into account variables such as weather conditions.
Driver safety
When turning to IT staffing companies to find a personnel who will develop AI solutions for their vehicles, businesses should also account for driver safety. Already, technology can monitor driver alertness, detecting whether he or she is looking at the road, as well as if the driver and passengers are wearing seatbelts.
Sensors on automobiles can also detect when maintenance is necessary, helping avoid accidents before they occur. In the future, vehicles could send information directly to a mechanic to help diagnose and resolve the issue.
Customer service
Ride-sharing platforms, taxis, trains, and aircraft need to continually update their services to keep customers happy. AI can help. For example, airlines such as Delta have begun to use facial-recognition software to assist with passenger check-in, verifying customers’ identities based on their passport or ID photos. This can reduce the time it takes to reach their gate by nearly 10 minutes, Delta reports.
On the railway side, Chatbots are being used to handle customer questions and complaints, cutting the time it takes to resolve these issues and avoiding the need for human beings to become involved except when necessary. AI can also help provide real-time information about delays and railway conditions to travelers.
More and more, AI is becoming an integral part of the transportation industry. As solutions to issues such as safety, traffic management and control, and customer service become increasingly complex, businesses will need to employ highly skilled professionals to integrate AI technology into their products and services. Identifying top talent can be difficult, but IT staffing services who know the skills and knowledge needed for the strategy associated with and development of AI can help organizations stay relevant and keep themselves up to date.
