By Satvir Singh Kohli
In India, the safety of school children is a paramount concern, especially considering the challenges posed by traffic congestion. The implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, on the other hand, is revolutionising the operations of school buses, improving safety measures, and ensuring that students are safe while travelling on roads. By analysing vast amounts of data and making decisions in real time, artificial intelligence is revolutionising the management of school buses, which in turn is improving road safety and streamlining student commutes.
Implementing AI-based surveillance systems is one of the most important contributions of AI technology to school bus operations. These systems, which are equipped with high-definition cameras and image recognition algorithms, monitor and identify potential dangers within and around the bus. Intelligent seat occupancy sensors enhance student safety by ensuring that all students are seated and accounted for during transit, decreasing the likelihood of accidents and unauthorised boarding or disembarkation.
Historically, the process of planning bus routes and schedules has been time-consuming for the administrators of the schools. AI has simplified this process by analysing traffic patterns, road conditions, and historical data. This has led to significant time savings. The use of these variables enable AI algorithms to generate schedules and routes that reduce the amount of time spent travelling as well as the amount of fuel used. In addition, these systems are able to dynamically adapt to changes that occur in real time, such as an increase in the amount of traffic or the closure of a road, which ensures that students are picked up and dropped off at the appropriate times.
School bus operations can be efficiently monitored and controlled through the implementation of a comprehensive solution offered by AI-enabled fleet management systems. These systems provide real-time insights into a variety of aspects, including real time location tracking and alerts, instant notifications to parents and school admins, vehicle performance, driver behaviour, and protocol compliance through the use of GPS tracking, sensors, and advanced analytics. AI algorithms can identify and flag risky driving behaviours by monitoring variables such as speed, acceleration, and braking patterns. This helps to promote safer driving practices by identifying and flagging risky driving behaviours.
Predictive maintenance is another domain where AI can have a substantial impact. By continuously monitoring vehicle performance data, AI enables a proactive maintenance strategy instead of a reactive one. By identifying patterns and anomalies, artificial intelligence algorithms can predict potential mechanical failures, allowing for timely repairs and replacements. This not only reduces the possibility of breakdowns, but also increases the students’ overall safety.
In addition, security screenings that are powered by AI are able to detect and flag any issues that could put the students’ safety in jeopardy, such as broken emergency exits or seat belts that aren’t working properly. Regular automated inspections provide parents and school administrators with the peace of mind that comes from knowing that all safety features are maintained in optimal condition.
In a nutshell, artificial intelligence is bringing about a revolution in the operations of school buses by streamlining route planning, enhancing fleet management, and prioritising the safety of students. By implementing systems that are powered by AI, administrators can achieve greater efficiency, reduce costs, and most importantly, ensure that students are safe while travelling to school. The beneficial impact that AI has had on education and transportation has continued to make our roads safer, which has contributed to the fact that riding the school bus is now safer and more streamlined for everyone.
(The author is Satvir Singh Kohli, CEO & Co-founder, MTAP, and the views expressed in this article are his own)
