Driving the Future: AI in Transportation

Transportation lies at the heart of our society, shaping nearly every aspect of our lives. Through its most fundamental function—mobility—transportation upholds the interconnected nature of our world. Economically, transportation controls the distribution of products, enabling mass production and global trade. It also expands personal mobility, expanding access to jobs and fostering communal connectivity. Culturally and socially, transportation diffuses ideas, values, and customs while providing access to essential services like medical care and education. Given these profound impacts, it is clear that the transportation industry has undergone drastic changes since its inception, often driven by single innovations that redefine mobility. Consider the invention of the steamboat in 1787. Upon its introduction, passenger travel became widely accessible, enabling a stream of ideas and culture to diffuse across nations. Simultaneously, it transformed commercial shipping by reducing the time and cost required of transporting cargo. Modern means of transportation have evolved to a network of defined highways and roadways. To keep order in this network, our transportation system requires a solution – one capable of handling its diverse array of challenges and complexities. Enter Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI-driven solutions within the transportation system offer a dynamic and flexible approach. With the ability to continuously adapt to the fast-moving pace of our transportation network, AI has garnered the attention of many. In recent years, this growing interest has resulted in the acceleration of research at the intersection between AI and transportation, signifying the beginning of a tremendous shift in the way mobility is perceived. The ever-increasing demand for transit in our society brings forth pressing issues such as environmental decay, traffic congestion, and safety risks. This paper will delve into AI applications that hold enormous potential for addressing these challenges. This paper will also explore the multifaceted implications of AI in transportation, providing a detailed overview of its impacts arising in areas of efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Then, taking a step back, the paper will outline broader implications for our society, specifically how AI-enabled changes in the transportation industry will impact society at large. Key considerations surrounding implementation in these sectors will be presented, outlining effective strategies associated with AI-enabled transportation. The adoption of new technology in our society is normally accompanied by various risks. Unfortunately, AI in transportation is no different. To ensure that the arrival of AI-enabled transportation does not take a turn for the worse, this paper will consider potential repercussions in data security, algorithmic bias, and user privacy. Furthermore, it will discuss the adequacy of current regulations related to AI transportation. Lastly, the paper will focus on the future direction of AI in furthering the reliability of transportation systems. It will present information regarding research gaps and future goals, all with the aim of demonstrating the multitude of opportunities unfolding in the transportation industry. In doing so, this paper intends to demystify the seemingly “intimidating” sector of AI in transportation while emphasizing the importance of accountability in its integration.