On May 6, 2025, Stockholm hosted a seminar by InfraSweden and Drive Sweden, focusing on traffic management's future in Swedish cities. It gathered 85 stakeholders from public authorities, industry leaders, and academia to examine how digitalization, connectivity, and AI can transform traffic signals and urban mobility, crucial for the "four-step principle" of sustainable development.
Modernizing traffic control through digitalization
A key theme was the Swedish Transport Administration's initiative to revamp its national traffic signal control system, aiming for a more responsive and centralized approach to urban traffic flows.
Connecting traffic signals for Smarter Cities
The Drive Sweden KRABAT project emphasized linking traffic signals and sharing real-time data with stakeholders, including the automotive industry. This connectivity enables smarter traffic management and supports autonomous vehicles.
Harnessing AI for safer, more efficient traffic
AI advancements were discussed, with projects like AI AWARE Scale Up and Intelligent and Self-Learning Traffic Control demonstrating how AI can analyze traffic patterns, optimize signal timings, and enhance intersection safety. These innovations promise to reduce congestion, improve mobility, and lessen environmental impact.
Toward digital and machine-readable traffic regulations
The seminar highlighted the need for machine-readable traffic regulations crucial for autonomous vehicles and digital traffic management. The "Traffic Rules of the Future" project explores frameworks supporting digital and automated systems for safety and compliance.
Integrating connected vehicles into traffic ecosystems
The future of urban mobility hinges on integrating connected vehicles. Initiatives like "Traffic Management of Connected and Autonomous Vehicles" aim to establish cloud-based systems for real-time vehicle and traffic management center communication. Trials show how above-ground detection systems can enhance traffic flow and safety. Speakers from various cities and organizations shared their insights:
Charlie Eccleson (smartmicro UK): Radar detection trials in Groningen, Netherlands.
Sampo Hinnemo (Uppsala): Priority services for buses and emergency vehicles.
Mikael Ivari (Gothenburg): Digitization and automation of traffic signals.
Viktor Stojanovski (Malmö): Transitioning to above-ground detection.
Anders Jonsson (Swarco): AI-driven traffic control to enhance mobility and reduce climate impact.
Ulrik Janusson (Scania): Real-time data's potential in traffic management.
Per Olof Jonsson (Sweco): Updated control systems for emergency vehicle prioritization.
Sebastian Morf (Yunex): Smart detection for safety and awareness.
Karl Ojeskog (Technolution): Transitioning from system management to resource-efficient traffic orchestration.
The seminar emphasized that digitalization, connectivity, and AI are not merely technological advancements but essential tools for shaping sustainable, efficient, and safe urban mobility. By adopting these innovations, Sweden is leading toward smarter cities where traffic moves smoothly, safety is prioritized, and environmental impacts are reduced.