One thing almost universally despised is traffic jams, but there may be something even more detested: being stuck at a red light in the dead of night with no traffic around, all because of a rigid timer-controlled traffic light. However, an Israeli start-up called 'NoTraffic' aims to change this frustrating experience, and they possess both the expertise and funding to do so.
The company's name, 'NoTraffic,' succinctly conveys its mission—to manage traffic autonomously using a computer vision-based system that operates from the cloud and utilizes multiple sensors at major intersections and other key locations. This system enables seamless communication with vehicles, especially those equipped with V2X (Vehicle To Everything) technology, and allows the identification of all road users, including cars, motorcycles, buses, cyclists, skateboarders, and pedestrians. The best part is that their system can be installed at any signaled junction within two hours, without any significant restrictions.
🔥 BREAKING NEWS: @NoTraffic_ Secures Monumental Series B Funding of $50 Million! Join the Mobility Revolution! 💼💰
— NoTraffic - IoT Platform for Urban Mobility (@NoTraffic_) June 27, 2023
🚀 This funding propels us to new heights and solidifies our unrivaled industry leader position! pic.twitter.com/BFK8cuAZRQ
By connecting traffic lights to the cloud and transforming them into a dynamic, digitally-managed network, the NoTraffic platform effectively reduces traffic congestion, emissions, and accidents. Their primary target markets are municipalities and transportation authorities. The system also enhances safety by preventing accidents involving vehicles and pedestrians, unconnected vehicles without V2X technology, and drivers running red lights.
NoTraffic's platform empowers cities to prioritize public transportation based on bus capacity, give precedence to emergency services and vehicle fleets, and prioritize pedestrians, scooters, and bicycles over vehicles on the roads. Adopting a Software as a Service (SaaS) model, the Israeli start-up already operates in thirteen U.S. states and aspires to expand its customer base further. In a recent interview with the Israeli Hebrew language tech news site 'Geektime' following their series B fundraising round, the company's CEO and founder, (who is appropriately or at the least, ironically named) Tal Chrysler, expressed confidence in doubling their growth by the end of the year.
.@NoTraffic_ wants to change a century-old technology: traffic lights. Its system uses AI and cloud-connected radar to improve the flow of cars, buses, bikers, and pedestrians at urban intersections #TIME100Companies https://t.co/wOSQxnyxUT
— TIME (@TIME) March 31, 2022
Chrysler explained that their product offers two packages on top of V2X, providing drivers with critical real-time information. For instance, it can share information about traffic light changes from red to green, warn drivers about red-light runners or pedestrians entering the road carelessly, and ultimately reduce accidents and injuries. The NoTraffic platform also provides navigation companies with real-time data, eliminating blind spots for autonomous and connected vehicles and enhancing overall safety.
The positive impact of NoTraffic's platform is already evident in various cities. For example, they managed to reduce drivers' waiting time by 70% by optimizing traffic lights and also improved pedestrians' waiting time along the same road section. In Phoenix, Arizona, they achieved an impressive 70% reduction in red-light runners, making the streets safer. Additionally, they collaborated with a Canadian university to reduce pedestrian waiting times in British Columbia, achieving a 40% improvement while also improving vehicle flow.
NoTraffic, an IoT tech company, is growing. It “has developed a platform that analyzes traffic flows in cities and helps city authorities and transport agencies make better planning decisions.” https://t.co/h0Hetc5XvH #travelindustry #mobility #IoTtechnology #AI #cloudtechnology
— Christian Frei (@chr_frei) July 12, 2023
Matan Nir, the Director of Business Development, highlighted to the English language technology news site, No Camels, that NoTraffic's system provides real-time information to traffic grid engineers in major metropolitan areas. From monitoring intersections to implementing instant traffic changes due to construction or closures, the platform anticipates and facilitates the necessary adjustments. Comparing it to a game of chess, Nir explained that traffic lights usually operate on fixed timers based on historical traffic data. Still, with NoTraffic, adjustments can be made promptly, taking into account the dynamic nature of daily traffic conditions.
@NoTraffic_ solves this!
— David Meister (@davidmeister_) July 10, 2023
The effectiveness of NoTraffic's system is evident in a project they conducted in downtown Tucson, Arizona. By applying their sensors to just three intersections along a mile of road, they successfully eliminated significant traffic backups that were present before, as seen through drone-captured 'before' and 'after' visuals. The NoTraffic platform promises to revolutionize traffic management and significantly improve transportation systems in various urban areas.
