Professor Hong K. Lo, Director of the GREAT Smart Cities Institute (GSCI) at HKUST, recently ignited a high-level dialogue at the HKU Innovation Wing on the future of urban mobility. Moderated by Professor W.Y. Szeto of HKU, this TechTalk dynamic exchange challenged traditional civil engineering by championing a shift toward AI-driven, adaptive traffic management.
 

Redefining Urban Mobility with the DISCO System

During the session, Professor Lo introduced the Dynamic Intersection Signal Control Optimization (DISCO) system, a framework designed to handle the complex, unpredictable patterns of contemporary urban networks. By integrating AI-based computational techniques, DISCO provides a scalable solution applicable to individual roundabouts through to area-wide traffic control.
 

From Simulation to Real-World Impact

The discussion emphasized a critical milestone: moving DISCO research from digital simulation to real-world testing. This transition creates a functional blueprint for sustainable commutes and more efficient city infrastructure.
 

Collaborative Innovation for Future Cities

At HKUST’s GREAT Smart Cities Institute, we believe cross-institutional dialogues like this are the engine for progress. These dialogues successfully translate rigorous academic research into the smart, sustainable city systems of tomorrow. Learn more about our research in Smart Mobility and AI-Driven Infrastructure.