Computer Scientist’s AI Traffic Solution Earns Award
A University of Texas at Dallas researcher’s pioneering artificial intelligence (AI) technology to reduce traffic delays and emissions developed in collaboration with the city of Richardson was named a Smart 20 Award winner and one of the top three projects at the 2025 Smart Cities Connect Spring Conference and Expo.
The SMART 20 AWARDS, presented in March in Raleigh, North Carolina, recognized innovative and influential global smart cities projects.
Dr. Rym Zalila-Wenkstern, a professor of computer science in the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science and director of the Smart Cities Applied Research Lab, and her team developed the patented DALI (Distributed, Agent-Based Traffic Lights) Nexus, which transforms traffic signals into a collaborative network.
Unlike traditional systems that rely on static timing plans, DALI Nexus uses artificial intelligence software “agents” to monitor real-time activity at intersections, exchange data across the network and optimize signal timing dynamically.
DALI Nexus also provides real-time traffic insights and safety alerts to road users, including drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, through a mobile app. The app provides customized information, such as signal timing, recommended crossing speeds and safety alerts tailored to the user’s mode of travel. The app, for example, can communicate that a pedestrian needs to cross to inform signal timing decisions.
In a pilot project deployed at 15 intersections, the system reduced traffic delays by an average of 40% at fixed-timing intersections, which use preset intervals. DALI Nexus reduced traffic delays at intersections using coordinated, or synchronized, timing by 25% to 30%.
The UT Dallas research team has worked closely with the city’s Transportation and Mobility Department to integrate the DALI technology with the city’s existing infrastructure.
“I am deeply grateful to the city of Richardson’s leadership, both past and present, for their vision and support of innovation,” Zalila-Wenkstern said. “I especially want to thank the community for championing forward-thinking initiatives and believing in the importance of engaging researchers to help shape the future.”
The proposed next phase would expand DALI Nexus to 50 signals throughout the city.
“The benefits we’ve seen from the integration of this software are next level for our transportation system, and we are witnessing the future of traffic management here in Richardson,” City Manager Don Magner BA’96 said. “We are excited about continuing this partnership with UT Dallas and seeing the extent of its benefits to congestion and safety.”
A version of this story appeared in News Center.