The City of Long Beach and Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America (MBRDNA) have embarked on a groundbreaking public-private partnership to revolutionize urban transportation. Supported by Mercedes-Benz USA Urban Mobility Solutions and Xtelligent, this collaborative effort aims to develop cutting-edge transportation technology systems. The project is strategically designed to enhance urban transportation management, boost liveability, and foster environmental sustainability within Long Beach and its surrounding areas.
“This innovative partnership with Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America will position Long Beach as a leader in the evolution of transportation technologies,” stated Mayor Robert Garcia. “This initiative will not only leverage our city’s skilled workforce but also create valuable STEM learning opportunities for our students, underscoring our commitment to nurturing a technology-driven ecosystem.”
This ambitious public-private project is structured to unfold over a 10-month period and will encompass several key components:
- Intelligent Traffic Management System Testing: Implementation and rigorous testing of an intelligent intersection control system. This system is designed to dynamically adjust traffic signal timing at selected intersections, enhancing traffic flow and safety.
- Data-Driven Transportation Policy: Comprehensive data analysis derived from connected test vehicle fleets and the city’s existing network of physical sensors. This data will be instrumental in providing actionable insights to refine future transportation policies and inform traffic engineering decisions.
- Community STEM Engagement: Hosting a community youth workshop specifically for Long Beach residents and students. This workshop is designed to foster interest and provide hands-on learning experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
This partnership strongly aligns with the goals of the Long Beach Accelerator Program, reinforcing the City’s dedication to collaborating with local businesses on pioneering technologies that generate civic impact. Furthermore, it underscores a commitment to expanding STEM education opportunities for students within Long Beach, particularly in under-resourced communities, through community-based workshops, health and safety conditions permitting.
This initiative is also a significant part of Long Beach’s broader Smart City Initiative, which strategically utilizes data and technology to address urban challenges and improve the quality of life for its residents.
The collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America and Xtelligent highlights Long Beach’s forward-thinking vision to promote environmental sustainability and digital inclusion. The city is committed to ensuring equitable access to digital literacy training, internet resources, technology devices, and other essential digital inclusion resources. Addressing transportation challenges is a core focus for Mercedes-Benz, and this partnership offers a unique platform to potentially mitigate pressing urban issues such as traffic congestion and associated emissions.
“Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America is thrilled to collaborate with Xtelligent and the City of Long Beach to explore innovative solutions to urban transportation challenges. We are confident that our test vehicle fleet will provide critical data to optimize traffic signal timing and effectively reduce congestion,” stated Philipp Skogstad, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Research and Development North America.
Data protection is paramount for all partners involved – Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America, Xtelligent, and the City of Long Beach. All parties are dedicated to responsible data handling. Mercedes-Benz and Xtelligent will only share test vehicle data with explicit notices and consents, ensuring that any data shared with external parties is anonymized and aggregated to protect privacy. This project is a collaborative effort involving the City’s Technology and Innovation Department, Public Works Department, and Economic Development Department.
Michael Lim, cofounder of Xtelligent, emphasized the synergy of the partnership: “This collaboration exemplifies the potential when a forward-thinking city, a leading automotive OEM like Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America, and an innovative venture unite with a shared, valuable objective. Xtelligent is excited to contribute our resources to demonstrate how technology can significantly enhance the liveability, vitality, and sustainability of Long Beach.”
Upon the conclusion of this pilot project, the team will thoroughly evaluate the results and explore opportunities to scale the successful initiatives.
About Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America
Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America (MBRDNA) is at the forefront of automotive innovation. MBRDNA is dedicated to envisioning, designing, engineering, rigorously testing, and certifying the most desirable vehicles for both North America and global markets. Operating across six locations, their extensive work encompasses a wide spectrum of activities, from pioneering research in EV battery technology to the intricate calibration and certification of hybrid powertrains. MBRDNA’s expertise extends to cutting-edge telematics, the development of autonomous driving software, and encompasses advanced exterior design and user experience (UX) innovations. Their focus is not solely on vehicle creation but also on pioneering the latest software, groundbreaking technology, and transformative innovation in the automotive sector.
Mercedes-Benz Urban Mobility Solutions – Shaping Future Cities
The Mercedes-Benz Urban Mobility Solutions division is dedicated to enhancing urban environments by creating safer, more sustainable, efficient, and accessible mobility options. By leveraging Mercedes-Benz’s extensive mobility expertise, this division collaborates with cities to create shared value and address evolving urban challenges. Working closely with city officials, public transport agencies, cross-industry partners, and both internal and external experts, the Urban Mobility Solutions team proactively identifies and addresses emerging trends. Their core objective is to develop a comprehensive and world-leading portfolio of best-fit urban vehicles, data-driven mobility products, and citizen-centric urban mobility systems tailored for both present and future generations.
About Xtelligent – Innovating Urban Mobility
Xtelligent is a U.S. government-backed venture focused on transforming transportation infrastructure. Founded by leading researchers from the University of Southern California, University of California, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Xtelligent integrates advanced decentralized control algorithm research with state-of-the-art sensing and learning capabilities. This integration significantly improves traffic signal network control for cities, fostering a more cooperative, multimodal, and sustainable urban transportation ecosystem for the future. As an impact-driven venture, Xtelligent is committed to the ethical, transparent, and accountable deployment of innovative technologies, prioritizing societal well-being.
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