8-month pilot to test 12 computer-vision sensors across four boroughs of NYC to employ machine vision and improve street-level data collection and improve planning decisions

In 2020, the Mayor’s Office of the Chief Technology Officer (MOCTO), now a part of the Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI), in coordination with DOT, applied for a Smart City Innovation Partnership grant from the NYS Empire State Development corporation. The project received a grant which amounts to a matched total of around $100,000 for the pilot. These funds are being used to execute on the project proposal where 12 computer-vision sensors have been installed across four boroughs for the duration of the 8 month pilot.

The technology collects street activity data to generate detailed reports that will allow planners to better understand the uses of city streets and inform future street redesigns. The device views the street via a camera, then classifies and counts roadway users in real-time. Video frames from the sensors are deleted nearly instantaneously, and only anonymous features are stored.