# 173. Get 3 Days of Your Life Back Every Year with Smart Stoplights

- Show: [The Next Byte Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast)
- Published: 2024-05-07
- Length: 20m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-05-07-173-get-3-days-of-your-life-back-every-year-with-smart-stoplights
- Listen: https://the-next-byte-wevolver.simplecast.com/episodes/173-get-3-days-of-your-life-back-every-year-with-smart-stoplights-_d8H_xZj

## Summary

Hosts Daniel and Forbode discuss a University of Michigan study that uses General Motors GPS data to optimize fixed-timing traffic signals, saving drivers an average of 3 days per year. They contrast this low-cost, software-based approach with expensive hardware-heavy adaptive systems costing $50,000 per intersection. The hosts highlight how leveraging existing connected car technology from GM vehicles allows for real-time traffic flow adjustments without extensive new infrastructure.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-05-07-173-get-3-days-of-your-life-back-every-year-with-smart-stoplights#t=0) Introduction: Traffic inefficiency and the University of Michigan study
- [0:51](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-05-07-173-get-3-days-of-your-life-back-every-year-with-smart-stoplights#t=51) Sponsor Read: Mouser Electronics and IoT in smart cities
- [3:49](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-05-07-173-get-3-days-of-your-life-back-every-year-with-smart-stoplights#t=229) The cost problem: $50,000 adaptive signals vs. fixed timing
- [7:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-05-07-173-get-3-days-of-your-life-back-every-year-with-smart-stoplights#t=426) The University of Michigan solution using GM GPS data
- [10:20](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-05-07-173-get-3-days-of-your-life-back-every-year-with-smart-stoplights#t=620) Birmingham, Michigan pilot study results and 6% adoption
- [15:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-05-07-173-get-3-days-of-your-life-back-every-year-with-smart-stoplights#t=933) Summary of benefits: 20-30% reduction in stops and 3 days saved
- [17:17](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-05-07-173-get-3-days-of-your-life-back-every-year-with-smart-stoplights#t=1037) Listener review and newsletter launch announcement

## Topics

- [Connected products & IoT](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/connected-products-and-iot)
- [Policy, trade & tariffs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/policy-trade-and-tariffs)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Mouser Electronics (company)
- University of Michigan (company)
- General Motors (company)
- Waze (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [The Future of Smart Cities: Lighting, Parking, and Much More](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2024-01-04-the-future-of-smart-cities-lighting-parking-and-much-more) (Over the Air)

## Citing this page

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