Key Takeaways
- The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is expanding its use of generative AI after successful pilot projects
- The department has created a chief data and artificial intelligence officer (CDAO) position to oversee AI adoption
- Caltrans is implementing Microsoft Copilot to increase efficiency and productivity among its 23,000 employees
- A new GIS data hub is being developed to streamline access to department data across agencies
- The department is open to collaborating with industry partners to develop AI solutions that meet real-world needs
Introduction to Caltrans’ AI Adoption
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is doubling down on its efforts to adopt generative AI, following the success of its initial pilot projects. According to Marcie Kahbody, the deputy secretary of technology for the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) and Caltrans’ CIO, the department is taking a comprehensive approach to implementing AI across its operations. As Kahbody noted, "I felt like we need a strong organization around generative AI, and I needed somebody in leadership, somebody that would be dedicated to setting up policy, setting up the right governance, bringing together the districts and basically creating some cohesiveness." This led to the creation of the chief data and artificial intelligence officer (CDAO) position, which was recently held by Dara Wheeler.
Creating a Comprehensive Approach
Kahbody emphasized the importance of having a dedicated leader to oversee the department’s AI adoption. She compared the process of introducing AI to the department to "jumping into the ocean with almost no idea how to swim." However, with the right leadership and approach, the department has been able to make significant progress. The CIO noted that the early days of the process included some pushback and reluctance from staff, but the proof-of-concept projects and constant engagement helped to demonstrate the value of AI. As Kahbody said, "We did a survey at the end of the POC, and people were saving about two and a half hours a week utilizing Copilot, so that showed value."
Implementing Microsoft Copilot
One of the key initiatives underway at Caltrans is the implementation of Microsoft Copilot, a generative AI tool that is being made available to 18,000 of the department’s 23,000 employees. This follows a successful pilot project that started with just 100 licenses. The CIO noted that the initial pilot showed significant time savings for staff, with an average of two and a half hours per week. This has helped to build momentum for the wider adoption of AI across the department. As Kahbody said, "What can that tool give us back? What problem is it going to solve for us?" The department is keen to explore how AI can help solve real-world problems and improve efficiency.
Developing a GIS Data Hub
In addition to implementing Microsoft Copilot, Caltrans is also working on developing a new GIS data hub to streamline access to department data across agencies. This project is being driven by business representatives from each department, with the goal of completing it by the end of the Newsom administration later this year. The data hub will focus on work zone safety as a priority area, and will aim to provide easier access to siloed data across agencies. As Kahbody noted, "Caltrans has hundreds of pages of internal websites, and if you want to search for anything, it’s very difficult." The data hub is expected to help address this issue and provide a more user-friendly interface for staff.
Collaboration with Industry Partners
Kahbody emphasized the importance of collaboration with industry partners in developing AI solutions that meet real-world needs. The department is open to hearing from the private sector and exploring potential demos and solutions. As the CIO noted, "What can that tool give us back? What problem is it going to solve for us?" This approach is expected to help Caltrans stay at the forefront of AI adoption and ensure that its efforts are focused on solving real-world problems. By working with industry partners, the department can leverage the latest technologies and expertise to drive innovation and improvement.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Caltrans is making significant progress in its adoption of generative AI, with a comprehensive approach that includes the creation of a CDAO position, the implementation of Microsoft Copilot, and the development of a GIS data hub. The department is committed to collaborating with industry partners to develop AI solutions that meet real-world needs, and is focused on solving problems and improving efficiency. As Kahbody noted, the key to success is to "show value" and demonstrate the benefits of AI to staff and stakeholders. With its expanded efforts, Caltrans is well on its way to becoming a leader in the use of AI in transportation.
https://www.govtech.com/artificial-intelligence/caltrans-officials-early-ai-users-look-to-expand-adoption