On November 19th, the Transportation Research Institute will launch the TATWEER Research Chair about “AI-Powered Automated Enforcement in Smart Cities: Balanced Safety, Efficiency and Privacy.”
The core of this chair focuses on the crucial intersection of technology, law, and public acceptance. The research aims for a fundamental reassessment of current traffic enforcement systems. Instead of merely reacting to violations, the chair’s ambition is to develop next-generation systems that are proactive, intelligent, and socially responsible.
The core of this chair focuses on the crucial intersection of technology, law, and public acceptance, summarized under the title: “AI-Powered Automated Enforcement in Smart Cities: Balanced Safety, Efficiency and Privacy.” The research aims for a fundamental reassessment of current traffic enforcement systems. Instead of merely reacting to violations, the chair’s ambition is to develop next-generation systems that are proactive, intelligent, and socially responsible.
Through the synergistic deployment of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and digital twins, the research will concentrate on creating a new enforcement framework that is not only predictive and accurate but also fundamentally socially acceptable. This is essential for the transition towards truly smart and livable urban environments.
The expected results of this chair are directly applicable and designed to have a tangible impact on urban safety, efficiency, and governance:
• An Advanced AI-Based Detection and Enforcement Framework: A robust AI system will be developed capable of real-time detection of a wide range of traffic violations. This goes beyond traditional methods and includes the simultaneous identification of, among others, speeding, red-light running, and the challenging issue of distracted driving.
• Predictive Models for Enforcement Resource Optimization: The chair will develop predictive models that can identify high-risk zones based on historical data and real-time traffic flows. This enables city administrations to optimize their enforcement resources and strategies, thereby not only increasing efficiency but, more importantly, guaranteeing traffic safety in the most critical areas.
• Mechanisms for Privacy, Transparency, and Fairness: A crucial aspect of modern society is trust in technology. The research will therefore specifically focus on implementing privacy- and fairness-aware mechanisms. This includes advanced anonymization protocols and the use of blockchain technology to ensure the transparency of decision-making and thus strengthen citizen trust in automated systems.
• Policy Recommendations for Effective Urban Deployment: Finally, the chair will formulate concrete policy recommendations. These will assist cities and governments in the successful, fair, and effective rollout of AI-driven enforcement solutions, taking into account the legal and ethical frameworks.
With this integrated approach, the chair will lay a scientific and practical foundation to support cities in achieving the necessary balance between safety, operational efficiency, and unwavering public trust.
The launch will take place in the Ceremony hall, Refugiehuis (Maastrichterstraat 100, 3500 Hasselt) on Wednesday, November 19th, 5 pm.
The event can be attended live by invitation only. It is also possible to follow this event online via this link.
Programme
• Rector Bernard Vanheusden about the importance of the Chair for UHasselt
• Prof Dr Geert Wets about the significance of the Chair for IMOB
• Dr Atef M. Garib about the importance of the Chair for TATWEER
• Chair holder Prof Dr Ir. Ansar Yasar will discuss the research to be conducted
TATWEER Global is one of the leading firms that emerged from the core of Transportation, Traffic and Road Engineering Industries to offer a unique blend between Professional Engineering Services and Innovative Smart Technologies. They are geared to provide turnkey solutions that bring innovation to all their offered services and products.
They draw their strength from investing in the right expertise, which leads to the formation of highly qualified and diverse teams of professionals who deliver comprehensive and tailored services to all their clients. Tatweer has a strong reputation as a leader of innovation among key clients across the market sectors, which enables them to take on challenges where they excel in developing advanced, sustainable solutions to current market requirements while meeting future needs and ambitions.
Their distinctive viewpoint comes from their expertise which combines the very best international insights with the in-depth local knowledge, enabling them to leave a tremendous positive impact with every project they execute. They are driven towards the future, but they are also conscious of the responsibility they have today, towards their staff, their environment, their community, and their stakeholders.