#ITSDubai2024: AI-powered tolling with Asura Technologies

New ALPR technology, powered by artificial intelligence, is modernizing tolling systems leading to smoother traffic flow, improved revenue collection and a more sustainable transportation network. Asura is showcasing these technologies on Booth H8-A1-B at the ITS World Congress in Dubai.

The transportation landscape is undergoing a significant transformation fueled by artificial intelligence (AI). The era of multi-device triggered systems, plagued by limitations and inefficiencies, is ending. But how can we navigate the smoothest transition toward a more intelligent tolling infrastructure?

The answer lies in two key technologies: AI-based automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) and global navigation satellite systems (GNSS). While GNSS offers a robust, distance-based tolling solution, ALPR currently presents a more accessible option for several reasons.

First, ALPR boasts significantly lower upfront costs. Existing infrastructure, like cameras, can often be repurposed, minimizing investment. This is particularly attractive for regions with established tolling networks. Additionally, ALPR excels in urban environments. Unlike GNSS, which can struggle with signal obstructions in dense areas, ALPR functions seamlessly, ensuring consistent tolling across diverse landscapes.

Software updates delivered ‘over-the-air’ allow for continuous improvement of the system’s performance. This ensures the tolling infrastructure remains at the forefront of technological advancements

Adaptable and accurate detection

But the true strength of AI-based ALPR lies in its superiority over legacy systems. Unlike multi-device architectures limited by speed range setup, ALPR isn’t hindered by vehicle velocity. This ensures accurate detection regardless of traffic conditions. Furthermore, during periods of congestion, a common source of redundancies in the old system, AI recognizes the temporary situation and utilizes automated duplication filtering. This eliminates unnecessary charges and streamlines the tolling process.

Perhaps the most compelling advantage of AI-based ALPR is its inherent adaptability. Software updates delivered ‘over-the-air’ allow for continuous improvement of the system’s performance. This ensures the tolling infrastructure remains at the forefront of technological advancements, constantly optimizing efficiency and accuracy.

Asura Technologies serves as a shining example of successful tolling modernization. Within a year, the company overhauled Hungary’s highway monitoring system entirely. This impressive feat hinged on its ability to repurpose existing infrastructure within the company’s AI-powered ALPR solution. Moreover, Asura’s platform delivers a comprehensive tolling experience, integrating not just recognition and tolling, but also the video management system (VMS) into a single, unified software platform. This holistic approach streamlines operations and provides valuable video evidence for security measures or analytical purposes.

The modernization of tolling systems is a global phenomenon, paving the way for a future of smarter and more efficient transportation systems. By embracing AI-powered ALPR technology, we can ensure a seamless transition away from outdated systems, leading to smoother traffic flow, improved revenue collection and a more sustainable transportation network. So, let’s keep going toward this new era characterized by intelligent infrastructure that adapts and evolves alongside the ever-changing transportation needs and requirements.

This article also appears in the September 2024 edition of TTi magazine