ERTICO’s Focus On Event Highlights Key Innovations and Challenges in Transport Digitalisation

On 15 April 2025, ERTICO – ITS Europe hosted a compelling edition of its ‘Focus On’ webinar series, diving into the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data in shaping the future of mobility. The session brought together ERTICO Partners, ITS Nationals and representatives from the European Commission to explore the opportunities and challenges presented by AI in transport and mobility, ranging from traffic management to freight logistics.

Setting the Stage: A Strategic Vision for Smart Mobility

In his opening remarks, ERTICO CEO Joost Vantomme emphasised the real-world potential of AI to revolutionise mobility. “Imagine a city where traffic jams no longer exist, where vehicles and other participants anticipate rather than react,” he noted, reinforcing the importance of high-quality data as the “lifeblood” of mobility and AI as its “brain.” He also encouraged participants to consult the recently published ERTICO White Paper on AI and to engage with the broader community at the upcoming 16th ITS European Congress in Seville (19–21 May 2025) and ERTICO’s Annual Partnership Forum in conjunction with the 35th General Assembly days (10-11 June).

The EU’s Vision: AI for Industrial Competitiveness and Sustainability

The keynote address by Kristof Almasy from the European Commission’s DG CNECT set a strategic context, focusing on the European Union’s AI roadmap and how it supports industrial competitiveness and sustainability across sectors, including transport. He shared insights into major policy initiatives such as the AI Innovation Action Plan, the Common European Mobility Data Space (EMDS), and the Automotive Industrial Action Plan. He underscored the importance of building AI capabilities on a foundation of interoperable and high-quality data while highlighting the crucial role of stakeholder collaboration in shaping implementation strategies.

These discussions are especially timely, given the European Commission’s ongoing work on the AI Pact and the forthcoming guidelines for the AI Act, which are poised to have a significant impact on the transport sector.

From Pilots to Practice: AI in Traffic Safety and Automated Vehicles

The webinar’s first session, moderated by ERTICO’s Head of CCAM, Dr Stephane Dreher, showcased the use of AI in enhancing traffic safety and integrating automated vehicles. Daniele Brevi from Links Foundation presented innovations from projects such as PODIUM and ToMove in Turin, demonstrating how AI-driven digital twins and sensor fusion improve road safety. Tiago Dias and Ana Silva from A-to-Be by Brisa Group shared real-world applications of AI in tolling, vehicle classification, traffic forecasting, and multimodal transport management. The Q&A that followed touched on key challenges such as the need for real-time, high-quality data, the role of edge computing in digital infrastructure, and the importance of cross-sector collaboration to address both technical and social adoption barriers.

Logistics Reinvented: AI in Freight and Supply Chain Optimisation

In the second thematic session, moderated by Dr Eusebiu Catana, attention shifted to the logistics sector. Sebastiaan Laloo from Pionira discussed the role of AI in digitalising transport documentation, notably the e-CMR, using intelligent tools to automate document capture and improve data quality. André Perpey from NeoGLS highlighted AI applications in last-mile delivery and hazardous freight, with examples like GLOSA for traffic light priority and cross-border digital compliance tools such as eFTI Gates.

Throughout the event, a recurring theme was the need for greater investment in digital skills, data governance, and infrastructure to support AI deployment. Discussions also reiterated that AI must remain a support tool that enhances, rather than replaces, human decision-making, particularly in critical transport operations.

Driving Forward: Collaboration, Policy & Capacity Building

In the closing reflections, Kristof Almasy noted AI’s potential not just for high-tech advancements but also to bridge digital gaps and support users in adopting new tools. Joost Vantomme closed the event by reaffirming ERTICO’s active role in shaping the evolving AI and data policy landscape, including its collaboration with the European Commission on upcoming guidelines related to the AI Act. He also emphasised the invaluable cooperation on the AIAMO project powered by ITS Germany, in synch with other ITS Nationals, focused on AI-driven mobility innovation.

“With the European Commission’s AI Act and AI Pact taking shape, now is the time for the transport and mobility sector to actively engage, share insights, and help shape responsible, human-centric AI deployment. This event provided a timely platform to align innovation with regulation, ensuring that Europe leads not only in technological advancement but also in trust, safety, and sustainability,” concludes Joost Vantomme.

Looking Ahead

The webinar served as both a platform for sharing progress and a catalyst for future collaboration. As AI continues to move from theory into practice, events like these highlight the importance of cross-sector cooperation and evidence-based policy to ensure a mobility future that is not only smart and connected but also safe, secure, and sustainable.

Curious about our European foothold and initiatives? Take a closer look at the ERTICO Partnership video and explore more of the many opportunities awaiting you at the ITS European Congress 2025 in Seville (19 – 21 May).