AI, autonomous vehicles showcased at Atlanta traffic innovation event

ATLANTA — Metro Atlanta doesn’t have a rush hour — that’s not a good thing.

For drivers in the Capital City of the American South, there’s 27/7 potential for crashes and congestion, leaving people both frustrated by the inevitable daily gridlock and utterly resigned to it. This week, some of the best and brightest in the traffic industry gathered in Downtown Atlanta to showcase the technology they’ve developed to help make streets around the world safer and less congested.

The World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS World Congress) has been held at the Georgia World Congress Center since Sunday and will conclude tomorrow. Here are some highlights and what to expect if you’re planning on attending the last day.

Descending from an elevator into the main exhibit hall, traffic tech enthusiasts, professionals, and more are greeted by extravagant displays of more than 200 exhibitors.

At the Beep Inc. station, an autonomous bus quietly rests on display, its sensors and cameras working in sync to simulate how it would respond to real road conditions, with no driver needed.

Vice Chairman Joe Moye, an Atlanta resident, says the city is becoming a leader in testing this kind of tech.

“Atlanta is actually really advanced in testing of some of the first-generation platforms,” Moye said.

Beep is part of a growing micro-transit trend, diverging slightly from the already released on-demand autonomous cars from Waymo — think ride-share meets public transportation. It’s already partnered with Cobb and Gwinnett Counties. And now, Beep is preparing to launch a new pilot: extending the Atlanta Beltline’s Westside Trail to connect better MARTA, the Atlanta University Center, and key areas ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Nearby, Miovision, a Canadian traffic data company, showcases AI-powered simulations that measure traffic flow in real-time. Unlike traditional methods that rely on years of crash reports, Miovision tracks “near misses” — moments when accidents almost occur — to help cities make safer changes more quickly.

“With our system, we actually look at near-misses,” CEO Kurtis McBride explained. “That way you can identify unsafe intersections and make improvements before a serious crash occurs.”

Outside the exhibit hall, Gannett Fleming Transystems (GFT) runs a demonstration where a car repeatedly stops before hitting a crash dummy dressed as a construction worker. The system is designed to expand the autonomous vehicle’s awareness to detect people beyond the driver’s line of sight.

Vice President Laurie Matkowski says the focus isn’t just on technology, but on people.

“It’s important to understand that humans are always at the center of this technology,” Matkowski said. “Protecting workers, first responders, and vulnerable road users — that’s why we do this. Technology is the tool, not the goal.”

For Atlanta drivers accustomed to enduring endless traffic headaches, the changes on display may seem far off. But whether it’s AI-powered intersections, driverless shuttles, or safety systems designed to protect road crews, the innovations being tested here are shaping the roads many of us travel every day.

The ITS World Congress wraps up Thursday, Aug. 29, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Downtown Atlanta. The conference includes:

• Exhibit Hall: More than 200 companies showcasing transportation innovation.
• Demonstrations: Driverless vehicles and smart traffic systems in action.
• Sessions: Panels and presentations with global experts on congestion, safety and sustainable mobility.
• Networking: Opportunities for local leaders, engineers, and residents interested in the future of mobility.

Registration and on-site attendee resources are available through the official conference website: ITS World Congress Attendee Resources.