USDOT Issues RFI on Potential Applications of AI

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The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Advanced Research Projects Agency—Infrastructure (ARPA-I) is seeking input from interested parties on the potential applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in transportation, as well as “emerging challenges and opportunities in creating and deploying AI technologies in applications across all modes of transportation.”

According to the USDOT, the purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to obtain input from a broad array of stakeholders on AI opportunities, challenges and related issues in transportation pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14110 of October 30, 2023, entitled “Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence.”

Written submissions are due by July 2, 2024.

“Advances in AI bring significant potential benefits and risks, and they have the potential to transform American society with deep implications for safety, access, equity and resilience in the transportation sector,” the USDOT stated in the May 3 issue of the Federal Register. “Virtually all aspects of transportation and mobility—from the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of physical infrastructure systems to the operation of the digital infrastructure that underpins and enables the movement of people and goods—will likely be impacted by the deployment of AI tools and applications. Beyond the direct impact of the technology itself, AI has the potential to reshape how individuals, communities, corporations, governments, and other users interact with the transportation network in ways that are difficult to anticipate.

“In recognition of AI’s rapidly evolving capabilities and implications across all facets of government, society and our economy, the Biden Administration issued Executive Order (E.O.) 14110 on “Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence” on October 30, 2023. In section 8, ‘Protecting Consumers, Patients, Passengers, and Students,’ under Sub-section (c), the E.O. directs the U.S. Department of Transportation to ‘promote the safe and responsible development and use of AI in the transportation sector, in consultation with relevant agencies.’ Paragraph (iii) under sub-section (c) further requires that ARPA-I ‘explore the transportation-related opportunities and challenges of AI—including regarding software-defined AI enhancements impacting autonomous mobility ecosystems.’”