On 4 November, the first AI & Mobility Hackathon brought together students, researchers, public authorities and companies at Mondai House of AI in Delft. Six teams worked on practical mobility challenges, exploring how artificial intelligence can help address real-world problems in transport and mobility.
The hackathon was organised by AiMTT, TU Delft and Mondai House of AI. Its aim was to connect people developing AI with those applying it in practice, and to give them the opportunity to work together on concrete challenges. The participating organisations included the Municipality of Rotterdam, KiM Netherlands Institute for Transport Policy Analysis, NDW, Rijkswaterstaat, Arane Adviseurs, d-fine, Technolution and Witteveen+Bos. They provided the cases, data and expertise for the teams to work with.
The six teams tackled a diverse range of topics, including ‘Climate Disruptions and Their Impact on Traffic and Transport’, ‘Assessing the Impact of Roadway Geometry on Crash Risk’ and ‘Building a Smarter Bike-Share Network’.
Team Rotterdam wins with AI-based traffic analysis
The winning team, Team Rotterdam, focused on understanding why some drivers continue to exceed the speed limit in 30 km/h zones. Using AI, the team analysed a dataset combining different types of information, including street width, parked cars, trees, traffic speeds and traffic volumes. By identifying patterns in the data, they aimed to gain a better understanding of which factors may encourage drivers to speed.
Learning to work with AI in practice
The hackathon offered more than an opportunity to develop promising solutions. Participants also gained first-hand experience of the possibilities and limitations of applying AI to transport and mobility challenges. Working with incomplete datasets, dealing with GDPR requirements and finding creative ways to overcome these obstacles were all part of the experience.
The event also provided an opportunity for students from TU Delft and Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences to meet potential employers and for participating organisations to connect with emerging talent.
The first AI & Mobility Hackathon demonstrated the value of bringing together students, researchers and practitioners to explore how AI can contribute to solving mobility challenges.
(Pictures: Roy Borghouts Fotografie)