What if we told you we must turn to Machines to create more human-centred and livable urban environments? As cities grow more complex and congested, the need for AI-driven intelligent systems that can enhance safety, improve mobility, and optimise resources is more critical than ever.
Qualco and Advantech are leading this transformation in Greece by integrating AI and Edge Computing to enhance road safety and streamline traffic management. By leveraging real-time data analysis at the network edge, they are turning traditional road surveillance into intelligent, proactive systems, thus developing smart infrastructures that adjust to drivers’ needs.
Switching gears from reactive to proactive
Traditional road surveillance systems have long relied on human operators to monitor and respond to incidents, resulting in delayed detection and intervention. The deployment of AI-powered edge devices, such as Advantech's AIR-150, changes this paradigm by enabling real-time video feed analysis and immediate hazard identification. From detecting wrong-way driving and pedestrian intrusions to pinpointing vehicle breakdowns, this technology offers a proactive approach to road safety, reducing accident rates and improving public response times.
Recent trends underscore the importance of such advancements. According to the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), nearly 50% of road fatalities occur on urban roads. Leveraging AI to enhance incident detection and automated response systems could significantly reduce this figure. AI-driven solutions have also been instrumental in enforcing traffic regulations and monitoring pedestrian compliance, creating a safer environment for all road users.
By processing critical data locally at the edge, these systems can react to potential threats instantly, avoiding delays. Simultaneously, using a cloud data platform provides centralised analytics and long-term insights, ensuring a robust approach to real-time safety and strategic urban planning.
Optimising traffic management and urban planning
Efficient traffic management is central to reducing congestion, emissions, and commute times. AI and Edge Computing enable real-time monitoring and analysis of traffic patterns, vehicle counts, and classifications. This data-driven approach allows for dynamic adjustments, such as optimising traffic light cycles based on real-time congestion levels and prioritising pedestrian and cyclist movement in high-traffic areas.
Globally, cities are beginning to adopt these technologies. AI-controlled traffic lights, which give preference to cyclists over cars to promote active travel and reduce vehicle congestion, have been trialled in various European cities. Additionally, the integration of predictive analytics for traffic flow, supported by edge computing, allows city planners to make informed decisions about infrastructure investments, rerouting strategies, and future urban development projects. According to a McKinsey report, intelligent traffic management systems have the potential to reduce congestion by 15-30%, illustrating the transformative impact of AI-driven solutions.
Qualco and Advantech: A strategic partnership for the phygital future
As Advantech’s official channel partner for Greece, Qualco aims to provide AI and Edge Computing solutions that embed intelligence across the data journey. By combining Advantech's state-of-the-art hardware with Qualco's data analytics expertise, organisations in Greece can create better asset management capabilities and achieve operational excellence.
"This collaboration with Advantech represents a significant step in our mission to transform how physical infrastructure and digital intelligence interact. By combining AI with edge computing, we can provide solutions that enhance public safety, optimise operations, and enable smarter, data-driven decision-making across various sectors," said Valerio Matola, Head of Industrial IoT, Qualco Applied Intelligence.
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"Integrating Qualco’s data intelligence with our advanced edge computing technologies allows for responsive, intelligent systems beyond traffic management. Together, we are creating solutions that redefine how cities, industries, and communities operate, bringing real-time efficiency and smarter connectivity to a wide range of applications," stated Marco Del Favero, Advantech's Regional Sales Manager for EIoT in Italy, Greece and Iberia.