The City of Long Beach is joining forces with in a groundbreaking public-private partnership. Supported by Mercedes-Benz USA Urban Mobility Solutions and Xtelligent, this initiative is set to revolutionize urban transportation management. The collaboration aims to create advanced transportation technology systems, enhancing both the liveability and environmental sustainability of Long Beach and its surrounding areas.
Mayor Robert Garcia emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “This public-private partnership will keep Long Beach at the forefront of emerging transportation technologies. This project will showcase our city’s skilled workforce, provide more STEM learning opportunities for students, and represents our city’s continued commitment to building a technology focused ecosystem.” The project underscores Long Beach’s dedication to innovation and its proactive approach to adopting cutting-edge solutions for urban challenges.
This collaborative project is structured to span ten months and encompass several key activities designed to optimize urban mobility:
- Intelligent Intersection Control System Testing: A core component of the project involves deploying and rigorously testing an intelligent intersection control system. This system is designed to dynamically and safely adjust traffic signal timing at selected intersections, aiming to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion.
- Data Analysis for Informed Decision-Making: The partnership will leverage data analytics to derive actionable insights. Data streams from connected test vehicle fleets and existing city-wide physical sensors will be meticulously analyzed. This data-driven approach is intended to provide valuable information that can inform future transportation policy and traffic engineering decisions, leading to more efficient and responsive urban planning.
- Community Youth STEM Workshop: Recognizing the importance of community engagement and education, a workshop will be hosted for Long Beach residents and students. This initiative will focus on providing STEM learning opportunities, particularly for students from under-resourced communities, fostering the next generation of technology leaders and innovators within Long Beach.
This partnership strongly aligns with the goals of the Long Beach Accelerator Program, reinforcing the City’s commitment to collaborating with local businesses on pioneering technologies that generate positive civic impact. Furthermore, it actively promotes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education opportunities for students in Long Beach, contributing to the city’s long-term growth and development in the technology sector. The community-based workshop, conducted in accordance with health and safety guidelines, will be a crucial element in delivering STEM education to local students, with a particular focus on inclusivity and reaching underserved communities.
The project is also a significant element of Long Beach’s broader Smart City Initiative. This initiative strategically utilizes data and technology to address urban challenges and improve the quality of life for all Long Beach residents. By embracing technological advancements, Long Beach is proactively working to create a more efficient, sustainable, and livable urban environment.
The collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America and Xtelligent directly reflects Long Beach’s vision for advancing both environmental sustainability and digital inclusion. The city is dedicated to ensuring equitable access to digital literacy training, internet connectivity, technology devices, and other essential digital resources. Addressing transportation challenges is a key priority for Mercedes-Benz, and this partnership provides a unique platform to develop solutions for pressing urban issues such as traffic congestion and the associated environmental emissions.
Philipp Skogstad, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Research and Development North America, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are excited to partner with Xtelligent and the City of Long Beach to research solutions to urban transportation challenges. With our test vehicle fleet, we hope to provide key data to optimize traffic signal timing and reduce congestion.” This collaboration allows Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America to apply its expertise and resources to real-world urban mobility issues, contributing to tangible improvements in city life.
Data protection is paramount throughout this project. Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America, Xtelligent, and the City of Long Beach are firmly committed to responsible data handling. Mercedes-Benz and Xtelligent will ensure data is shared with appropriate transparency and consent, and any data shared with third parties will be rigorously 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, highlighting the integrated approach to urban innovation in Long Beach.
Michael Lim, cofounder of Xtelligent, emphasized the collaborative spirit of the project: “This partnership represents the best of what a forward-thinking city, leading automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and innovative venture can uniquely enable when collaborating towards a common, worthwhile goal. We’re excited to use our collective resources to develop and demonstrate how technology can improve the liveability, vitality, and sustainability of Long Beach.”
Upon completion of the pilot project, the team will thoroughly evaluate the results and explore opportunities to expand and scale the initiative. This commitment to ongoing assessment and development ensures that the partnership’s impact will continue to grow and evolve, delivering lasting benefits to the City of Long Beach and potentially serving as a model for other urban centers.
