As urban populations grow and transportation networks become more complex, cities around the world are facing increasing pressure to improve road safety, reduce congestion, and support sustainable mobility. At the same time, the rise of connected and automated vehicles is reshaping how roadways are used and monitored. In this evolving landscape, intelligent video solutions are emerging as a powerful tool to help governments, municipalities, and transport agencies build safer, more efficient, and more resilient infrastructure.

AI-enabled video systems automate monitoring through advanced analytics. Bosch Intelligent Video Analytics Pro (IVA Pro) solutions allow IP cameras to act as intelligent sensors, detecting, classifying, and counting objects based on specific goals. These systems interpret surroundings in real time, identifying critical conditions and enhancing safety and perimeter security around the clock.

Traditionally used for surveillance, video cameras are now deployed as intelligent sensors in transportation systems. These AI-enabled devices do more than just record-they detect, analyze, and alert in real time. By processing data at the edge (within the camera itself), these systems eliminate the need for centralized servers, reducing latency and increasing reliability.

This distributed approach allows each camera to act as an independent processing node, capable of detecting safety risks, collecting traffic data, and triggering alerts. The result is a more responsive and resilient transportation network.

At the heart of this transformation is Intelligent Video Analytics Pro (IVA Pro) Traffic, a deep learning-based software that powers many of today’s advanced traffic cameras. Built on neural networks, IVA Pro Traffic can classify and track a wide range of road users-including cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians-even in complex or congested environments.

The system is designed to tackle real-world challenges, including overlapping vehicles, poor lighting, and environmental disturbances like glare, shadows, or camera shake. This technology is particularly effective in urban intersections, highways, and other high-traffic areas where precision is essential.

One of the most impactful applications of AI-enabled video is in incident detection. Cameras equipped with IVA Pro Traffic can automatically identify slow or stopped vehicles, wrong-way drivers, and traffic queues. These alerts can be used to trigger dynamic message signs, flashing beacons, or even vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications, helping drivers respond to hazards more quickly.

This kind of early detection enables traffic operators to respond faster to incidents, reduce the risk of secondary accidents, and improve overall road safety-benefits that are relevant to cities and regions across the globe. One example is Ohio’s I-670 SmartLane project. There, a network of Bosch cameras monitors a nine-mile stretch of highway, enabling traffic operators to open a shoulder lane during peak hours. The cameras verify that the lane is clear of debris or stopped vehicles before it’s opened, improving traffic flow without the need for costly new construction.

Urban intersections are another area where intelligent video can make a difference. With more pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit users sharing the road, visibility and timing are key to safety. AI-enabled cameras can detect pedestrians in crosswalks and trigger traffic signal changes or pedestrian beacons to increase visibility-especially at night.

These systems can also integrate with connected vehicle technologies to broadcast alerts about pedestrian presence, further enhancing safety for all road users. This is particularly important in densely populated cities where vulnerable road users are at greater risk.

Beyond real-time alerts, intelligent video systems provide a wealth of data that can inform long-term transportation planning. Cameras equipped with IVA Pro Traffic can continuously collect information on vehicle counts, classifications, speeds, and trajectories. This data can be aggregated and visualized through tools like Bosch’s Data Fusion service, which offers dashboards and APIs for deeper analysis.

Planners can use this information to identify congestion points, evaluate the effectiveness of traffic control measures, and develop policies that improve flow and safety. The ability to export data in standard formats also makes it easy to integrate with other systems and analytics platforms used by cities and agencies worldwide.

Bosch offers a complete ITS camera portfolio built to withstand the demands of real-world environments. From fixed bullet cameras to ruggedized pan-tilt-zoom models, these devices are designed for durability, with features like high dynamic range, low-light performance, and weather-resistant housings. Many models are certified for transportation applications and compliant with international communication standards, ensuring seamless integration into existing infrastructure.

As cities evolve, the need for smarter, more adaptive transportation systems will only grow. AI-enabled video solutions offer a scalable, cost-effective way to meet that need-providing the insights and responsiveness required to keep people moving safely and efficiently.