Aldis was born in 2006 from the vision and passion of technology entrepreneurs James “Vig” Sherrill and Bill Malkes. Both Vig and Bill see opportunities to revolutionize the way traffic management gets done, by infusing new technology into signalized intersections. For perspective, the National Traffic Signal Report Card released by the National Transportation Operations Coalition in 2007, estimated that if all the signals in the United States were improved from their current “D” grade to an “A” grade, travel delay would be reduced by up to 40% and fuel consumption would fall by 10% or 17 billion gallons a year. This time and energy savings would add up to a reduction in harmful emissions (carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compounds) by 22%.
The solution to this problem is GridSmart™. GridSmart uses an ultra-wide-angle camera that provides horizon-to-horizon visibility, along with advanced and proprietary algorithms for vehicle detection and tracking, to apply logic to the intersection – the entire intersection, from one camera. The single camera is attractive when compared to other competing above-ground detection technologies, in terms of cost, installation time, and maintenance. Working from virtual “loops” and user-defined detection zones, GridSmart optimizes traffic flow by providing real-time data to the traffic signal network or central system. GridSmart also provides valuable traffic data for transportation planning such as vehicle counts, average speed, length-based vehicle classification, and much more.
More efficient operation of intersections results in improved traffic flow, reduced congestion, lower emissions, safer roadways, and happier drivers. GridSmart is getting attention worldwide, and other potential applications and markets are emerging such as safety and security, parking management, and intelligent transportation. Simply put, GridSmart is smart.
