Reykjavik Leads the Way with AI-Powered Traffic Innovation

Reykjavik has just taken a bold step into the future of urban mobility. The city has installed Iceland’s first Smart-AI intersection, combining artificial intelligence with LiDAR detection technology to create a more intelligent, efficient traffic system.

This initiative by Reykjavik Municipality marks the beginning of smarter, cleaner, and faster traffic management in Iceland. According to Reykjavik Municipality, the new system is a major leap forward:

“With this installation, Iceland is now at the technological forefront in reducing travel time and pollution. It's an important move toward smarter, greener cities — and a signal of our commitment to innovation that directly improves everyday life for our citizens.”

By analyzing traffic flow in real-time and adapting signals accordingly, Smart-AI intersections are designed to reduce congestion, cut emissions, and improve road safety.


On the picture from left:  Nils Schwarzkopp Reykjavik Municipality, Nick Larsen Swarco, Ómar Gíslason Reykjafell, Grétar Þór Ævarsson Reykjavik Municipality, Haraldur Ingi Hilmarsson Reykjavik Municipality and Thor Gunnlaugsson Swarco

About Our AI: Smart-AI

Smart-AI represents a significant leap forward in traffic control technology.
This ground-breaking algorithm is designed to leverage the latest detection technologies and connected vehicle data to optimize traffic flow in real-time.

By combining real-time data on traffic conditions at intersections with the advanced capabilities of reinforcement learning, Smart-AI dynamically recognizes and anticipates traffic patterns without the need for pre-set traffic plans or manual calculations.

With the introduction of the first intelligent AI-controlled intersection in Reykjavik, Iceland is impressively demonstrating how modern technology can pave the way toward more sustainable and efficient cities. The combination of real-time data, connected vehicles, and adaptive algorithms like Smart-AI marks a milestone in the traffic management of the future.

While Reykjavik is pioneering this approach today, similar systems could soon help many other cities reduce emissions, shorten travel times, and significantly improve people’s quality of life.

SWARCO. The Better Way. Every Day.

Key Features of Smart-AI:

  • Top Performance for Any Traffic Situation: Smart-AI adapts to any traffic condition, ensuring optimal flow and minimal congestion.
  • AI-Driven Optimization: The algorithm focuses on reducing delays and the number of stops, significantly cutting down CO2 emissions and fuel consumption.
  • Simplified Setup: Minimal traffic design work is required, making it easy to deploy and integrate into existing systems.
  • Accurate Traffic Reporting: Smart-AI evaluates traffic conditions in real time, providing precise reports that help in effective traffic management.
  • Control and Prioritization: Easy for road owners to control traffic priorities, ensuring smoother operations.
  • Edge Computing Power: All calculations are performed directly at the intersection within the AI-powered traffic controller, eliminating delays or outages caused by central communication failures.