AI-powered traffic lights are now being tested in this city in Baden-Württemberg.

There has been a bit of a future in Ostalb recently. A unique nationwide test of an artificial intelligence-powered traffic light system is underway in Ellwangen.

Ellwangen – Artificial intelligence is on everyone’s lips, and it is not yet clear how this new technology will change our everyday lives. Now a first-of-its-kind field trial in Ellwangen in the Ostalbkreis provides a glimpse. Around 24,500 people live in the small town on the Ostalb River. As the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Transport reports, the Yutraffic FUSION system is being used here for the first time in Germany.

The cost of the artificial intelligence project is about 200 thousand euros, paid in full by the state.

The project aims to provide progressive traffic control in Baden-Württemberg. Because the use of new technology in “The Länd” is part of it, the ministry writes. Since July, traffic in Ellwangen has been controlled using artificial intelligence in this unique field test. The state will cover the entire cost of the project, which amounts to around 200,000 euros. This includes, among other things, the software license, but also the expansion and configuration of the hardware.

Transport Minister Hermann commented on the start of the project as follows: “The project in Ellwangen impressively shows what the future of traffic control looks like in Baden-Württemberg. With traffic lights controlled by artificial intelligence, we are setting new standards for improving traffic flow, reducing emissions and increasing road safety. This commitment to innovative technologies is based on our alliance agreement and helps make our transport more environmentally friendly and efficient.”

Twelve Ellwanger traffic lights are controlled and coordinated using artificial intelligence.

The system works with real data from the past and at the same time records traffic in real time. In this way, the expected traffic at certain time intervals is predicted and reacted to accordingly. Twelve traffic lights along the B290 and the southern bypass in Ellwangen are controlled and coordinated.

The project has already set an example: Yutraffic FUSION has seen a reduction in public travel times of up to 20 percent in London after its introduction. It remains to be seen whether this will also be possible in Ellwangen. According to the manufacturer, this adaptive traffic control system could not only shorten travel times in the future, but also reduce emissions and increase safety for people. Road networks and infrastructure in general could be improved in this way.

Anyone in Ellwangen who is feeling hungry can take a closer look at these three of the best Asian restaurants in town.