Emerging Technology
The Office of Emerging Technology leads the City of Boston's development and adoption of cutting-edge technologies, such as AI and machine learning, robotics, and sensor technology.
Our office partners with City departments, universities, and public entrepreneurs to shape the future of public services with emerging technology. Our partners are increasingly interested in ways that new technology can make their services more responsive and equitable. In our work, we try to maintain a healthy skepticism, understanding that technology alone rarely solves our most intractable challenges.
Our project portfolio includes developing generative AI pilots, using machine learning to improve traffic congestion, and testing internet-connected sensors for curb management and climate planning.
Our Projects
Project Green Light
Using AI to reduce traffic congestion
Large Vehicle Safety
Using design and technology to make the City's truck fleet safer
Generative AI Guidelines
Our guidelines for the internal use of generative AI
People Powered AI
Our research with the MIT on AI and Community Engagement
AI + Translation
Improving automated translation services with machine learning
City Council Roll Call Beta
Using generative AI to summarize City Council votes
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![a very handsome man in a black velvet smoking jacket standing in a lush plant filled greenhouse](/sites/default/files/styles/person_photo_a_mobile_1x/public/img/library/photos/2024/07/Black%20Suit%20in%20Greenhouse.jpg?itok=EIM_BiDd)
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News + Presentations
News and Presentations from the Office of Emerging Technology
- The Boston Globe: Can AI help reduce traffic congestion in Boston? The City is partnering with Google to find out.
- Cities Today: Boston uses AI to reduce stop-go traffic by 50 percent
- Day of AI at the Museum of Science
- AI Task Force Press Conference at Northeastern University
- GovLoop: Five Emerging Technologies You Need to Know
- Harvard Kennedy School: Emerging Tech Fellows on Language Access in Boston