Artificial intelligence will also be used in Barcelona's traffic lights.

BarcelonaThe Barcelona City Council and the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) have signed an agreement to study how artificial intelligence (AI) can improve the management of the city's traffic lights and, at the same time, reduce traffic congestion, optimize mobility, and minimize environmental impact. The study, led by the Barcelona School of Civil Engineering, in collaboration with the Center for Research and Technology Hellas in Greece, a member of the European Living Labs (EnoLL) network, will be structured in four phases. The first phase will consist of evaluating the current state of the city's traffic light system and the relationships between the different mobility stakeholders, with the aim of identifying the potential and limitations of applying AI. The second phase will analyze traffic control strategies and technologies already being used worldwide to improve vehicle flow, especially in public transportation. Based on this diagnosis, proposals adapted to the Barcelona context will be designed, grounded in the principles of the Urban Mobility Plan: efficiency, environmental sustainability, quality of life, and transparency in the use of artificial intelligence. Finally, the project will culminate in the development of a roadmap with specific actions for different parts of the city, both in the short and long term.

"Innovation is key to finding solutions to the challenges posed by the city and its activity," emphasized First Deputy Mayor Laia Bonet, responsible for Urban Planning, Climate Action, Mobility, Neighborhood Plan, and Urban Services. Bonet stressed that "it is essential to move towards better public transport and cleaner, more sustainable mobility, so we must take advantage of all the resources and possibilities offered by new technologies." Professor Miquel Estrada, from the Higher Technical School of Civil Engineering and head of the study at the UPC, noted that artificial intelligence-based tools "have demonstrated benefits in improving traffic flow in other cities, but they need to be adapted to Barcelona's context and urban planning." With this project, Barcelona reinforces its commitment to integrating technological innovation into urban planning and improving public services. If AI can help better synchronize traffic lights and reduce waiting times, the city could take a significant step towards more agile, safe, and environmentally friendly mobility.