Impact and Opportunity of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation on the Transportation Workforce: Exploring Skill Gaps, Competency Requirements, Mindset Shifts, and Transportation Agency Strategies

Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation have been gradually transforming the transportation sector. Early automation in propulsion and guidance, and the driverless transport of cargo and people, was demonstrated nearly a century ago in some modes. AI has already been implemented in many industries, including finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. Now, it is making its way into the world of transportation. It is urgent to research the impact and opportunities of AI and automation on the state departments of transportation (DOTs) transportation workforce. The research needs to explore workforce skill gaps, competency requirements, mindset shifts, and strategies for transportation agencies. DOTs and local transportation agencies need to understand and prepare for the transition of the transportation workforce into the era of combined AI and automation. The objective of the research is to develop guidelines, actionable strategies, and materials for DOTs and other agencies to help them understand, navigate, and succeed in the transformation of the DOT transportation workforce influenced by AI and automation.

• Record URL:
  http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=5704
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Contract to a Performing Organization has not yet been awarded.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Proposed
• Funding: $500000
• Contract Numbers:

  Project 23-46

• Sponsor Organizations:

  National Cooperative Highway Research Program

  Transportation Research Board
  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001

  American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)

  444 North Capitol Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Project Managers:

  Barcena, Roberto

• Start Date: 20240521
• Expected Completion Date: 0
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Artificial intelligence; Automation; State departments of transportation; Strategic planning; Transportation; Workforce
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Data and Information Technology; Planning and Forecasting; Transportation (General);

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01919238
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Transportation Research Board
• Contract Numbers: Project 23-46
• Files: TRB, RIP
• Created Date: May 21 2024 4:39PM