Session Abstract:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are transforming transportation by making systems smarter, safer, and more efficient. This panel will explore how AI powers real-time traffic management, infrastructure management while IoT connects vehicles, infrastructure, and sensors to collect and share data, improving traffic flow, route optimization, and responding to natural disasters – to drive data-powered insights. In addition to enhancing mobility, these technologies play a critical role in modernizing aging infrastructure through continuous monitoring, condition assessment, and data-driven decision-making, AI and IoT help extend asset life cycles, prioritize investments, and optimize maintenance strategies. Join industry experts as they discuss the convergence of AI and IoT in building intelligent transportation systems that reduce congestion, improve safety, and respond to natural disasters.
Speakers:
Tyson Echentile is global manager for IoT partner and business development within the IoT Division at SAS. He works with SAS partners to explore the vast data generated by the Internet of Things and collaborates with partners to build and deploy IoT solutions that solve real-life problems across a wide variety of industries including government, manufacturing, agriculture, and energy, and utilities. One of his recent IoT ecosystem collaborations is focused on solving the World’s most frequent and challenging natural disasters, flooding. With strategic partners such as Microsoft and Semtech, Tyson has helped develop a real-time flood prediction solution powered by IoT technologies and advanced analytics that help improve situational awareness around the globe..
Dr. Katy Salamati is the global head of IoT Solutions for Transportation and Infrastructure at SAS. Katy has over 15 years of experience improving infrastructure and transportation safety and mobility through applying innovative IoT, AI and advanced analytics, working with all modes of transportation from surface to air, rail, maritime and recently space. Katy leads the application of IoT and AI streaming analytics in transportation industry for SAS’s IoT division and has worked with both public and private sector infrastructure, transportation and supply chain agencies. Katy has a PhD in Civil Transportation engineering and an MBA in technology commercialization and entrepreneurship from North Carolina State University. She also has a master’s degree in industrial and systems engineering from University of Southern California.
Previous to joining SAS, Katy worked as a program manager for Institute for Transportation Research and Education (ITRE) at North Carolina State University, where she worked on grants from USDOT, NSF and NCHRP projects. Katy has co-authored two NCHRP reports and has several best paper awards with TRB and many publications in TRR.
Katy is also adjunct faculty of Civil Engineering at NCSU.
Elizabeth Young serves as the Deputy Practice Lead for Asset Management and Data Analytics at Halff, where she drives strategic growth and innovation in infrastructure consulting for government clients. At Halff, Elizabeth oversees the development and implementation of scalable asset management strategies, leveraging her extensive background to deliver data-driven solutions that improve infrastructure sustainability and performance. Her leadership supports the firm’s mission to modernize public works through the integration of smart technologies. With over two decades of public sector experience and technical expertise, Elizabeth has a strong understanding of the challenges posed by aging infrastructure and limited funding. She strives to bridge the gap by applying innovative technologies that enhance operational efficiency and decision-making across municipal and state agencies.
Kelly Wells is a highway engineer with over 30 years of experience. She currently manages the traveler info and big traffic data programs for the North Carolina Department of Transportation. Kelly also co-chairs the Eastern Transportation Coalition’s Traveler Information Program Track.
