Baher Abdulhai, PhD, P.Eng., FEIC, FCAE

Dr. Baher Abdulhai is a professor in the Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering at the University of Toronto where he develops intelligent transportation systems—artificial-intelligence-based traffic control and solutions to major urban transportation management problems.

Dr. Abdulhai’s work on traffic control using reinforcement learning and deep learning has resulted in patented technologies, including his MARLIN smart traffic lights control software—a machine-learning-based control software system for self-optimized traffic lights that reduces delays at intersections without requiring infrastructure expansion. The software enables traffic light systems to self-learn and collaborate with neighbouring traffic lights wirelessly and reduces motorist delays at intersections by an average of 40 per cent. Recently, Dr. Abdulhai created a new system—MiND—which considers both traffic and public transit to minimize delays for all users. The system prioritizes public transit and combines deep learning (convolutional neural networks) and reinforcement learning with modern detection systems such as video, radar, and connected vehicles to self-learn how to understand the traffic situation, transit included, and produce optimal signal control actions. It is patent pending in North America, Europe and China, and was licensed for commercialization outside North America.

Dr. Abdulhai has established several transportation research centres at the University of Toronto, starting with his founding of the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Centre in 2000, which became the core facility of the UofT Transportation Research Institute. He has trained generations of students in advanced areas of traffic management and modeling, with most of these students moving on to positions in academia and industry.