Imagine being a taxi driver who sometimes struggles to pinpoint busy areas – now a smart AI app in Yokohama is stepping in to help. Developed by researchers at the University of Tokyo, this tool guides less-experienced drivers by revealing where demand peaks and suggesting the best routes to keep earnings flowing.
According to a study in Management Science, these AI-powered forecasts can boost driver productivity by about 7%. Professor Yasutora Watanabe from the Graduate School of Public Policy explained that this technology helps lower the barriers typically faced by less-skilled drivers, reducing the usual advantage held by veterans.
To make sure their findings were accurate, the research team – including Professors Daiji Kawaguchi and Hitoshi Shigeoka – used an innovative method. They focused on the natural randomness in taxi ride endpoints to rule out external factors like local demand fluctuations. This approach, similar to methods used in medical research, lends credibility to their conclusions.
Even with these promising results, not all drivers are quick to adopt the new tech. Many are hesitant, possibly due to a reluctance to change or simply unfamiliarity with digital tools. Researchers suggest that well-designed reskilling programmes could ease this transition. While AI automates tasks like demand forecasting, companies might then focus on cultivating human skills – such as communication – that technology can’t replicate.
This study not only offers a brighter future for taxi drivers but also hints at wider applications across different industries. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the pace of technological change, it’s reassuring to see innovations that help create a more balanced and accessible workforce.
