DALI Nexus named Smart 20 Award recipient, selected as a Top 3 Best-of-Class project globally.
A pioneering traffic management partnership between researchers at The University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) and the City of Richardson has earned international recognition from Smart Cities Connect, a leading organization dedicated to advancing municipal innovation. The Distributed Agent-based traffic Lights (DALI) Nexus traffic infrastructure was named a Smart 20 Award winner and was further distinguished as one of the top 3 best-of-class projects worldwide at the 2025 Smart Cities Connect Spring Conference and Expo. The award honors the most innovative and impactful smart cities projects from around the world, specifically those addressing real-world challenges through data-driven technologies, collaborative design, and municipal-scale implementation.
“The impact and ingenuity of the UT Dallas engineering and computer science team continues to put Richardson on the global map,” said Richardson Mayor Amir Omar. “This project is one of many that have strengthened our community. We couldn’t be prouder or more excited about our collaboration on this project and the international level of recognition.”
The novel traffic cyber-infrastructure was deployed at 15 intersections across the City of Richardson, which uses a mix of fixed and coordinated timing for traffic controllers. At intersections with fixed timing, DALI has recorded reductions in traffic delay by an average of 40 percent. For intersections using coordinated timing, the DALI system averages between 25 and 30 percent reductions in delays for commuters.
“The benefits we’ve seen from the integration of this software are next-level for our transportation system, and we are witnessing the future of traffic management here in Richardson,” said Richardson City Manager Don Magner. “We are excited about continuing this partnership with UT Dallas’ Smart Cities Research Lab and seeing the extent of its benefits to congestion and safety.”
Expansion of the research is now being planned with a proposed next phase of the project to expand DALI Nexus to 50 signals citywide. This phase will allow researchers to showcase large-scale operational success.
“I am deeply grateful to the City of Richardson’s leadership, both past and present, for their vision and support of innovation,” said Dr. Rym Zalila-Wenkstern, Director of the Smart Cities Research Lab at UT Dallas’ Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science. “I especially want to thank the community for championing forward-thinking initiatives and believing in the importance of engaging researchers to help shape the future. I also extend my sincere appreciation to the City’s Department of Transportation and Mobility for their collaboration and trust throughout this journey. This recognition would not have been possible without their commitment to advancing smarter, safer, and more sustainable transportation solutions.”
A timeline for the next phase of the project is dependent on available funding. Funding for the project’s previous phases were made possible thanks to a grant from the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG).
About the Project: DALI Nexus
Developed by UT Dallas researchers, the patented DALI Nexus is a next-generation cyber-infrastructure designed to address key challenges in sustainable transportation, including traffic congestion, environmental impact, and roadway safety.
At the heart of DALI Nexus is an AI-powered traffic control system that transforms conventional traffic signals into a collaborative, decentralized network. Unlike traditional systems that rely on static timing plans, DALI Nexus uses intelligent software “agents” to monitor real-time activity at intersections, exchange data across the network, and dynamically optimize signal timings. This continuous, self-adjusting coordination significantly reduces traffic delays and emissions.
In addition to intelligent signal control, DALI Nexus delivers real-time traffic insights and safety alerts directly to road users, including drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, through a dedicated mobile app. The app provides customized, real-time information such as signal timing, recommended crossing speeds, and safety alerts, tailored to each user’s mode of travel. When operating in pedestrian mode, the app communicates the user’s crossing intent to the corresponding intersection agent, which incorporates this input into its signal timing decisions. In the event of an imminent hazard, the app issues safety notifications using visual, auditory, or tactile alerts to enhance protection for all road users.
Smart 20 Awards
Hosted by Smart Cities Connect, the Smart 20 Awards spotlight the 20 most transformative and innovative smart city projects internationally. Selected from a global pool of public-private partnerships, government-led initiatives, and research-driven solutions, award recipients are evaluated based on their ability to address pressing urban challenges through scalable and effective implementation. Three projects are then recognized as best-of-class for their exceptional impact, vision, and replicability, and Richardson’s DALI Nexus project was among this year’s top three.
About Richardson Texas
The City of Richardson is a city proudly built by engineers and entrepreneurs, with a history of technological leadership and a bright future fostering the next generation of innovation. Repeatedly named one of the best cities in America to live, work, and start a family, the City of Richardson offers a high quality of life, a diverse array of neighborhoods, excellent schools, a convenient Metroplex location, multi-modal transportation infrastructure, and outstanding City services. The City remains dedicated to continuous improvement, as well as to the principles of open government and two-way communication with residents.
About the University of Texas at Dallas
The University of Texas at Dallas is a top public university located in one of the nation’s fastest-growing metropolitan regions. Our seven schools offer 158 undergraduate and graduate programs, plus professional certificates and fast-track programs. Home to more than 29,000 students, UT Dallas offers rigorous academic programs, with curricula serving a variety of undergraduate and graduate student interests. UTD is classified as a Carnegie R1 institution of very high spending and doctorate production with top-ranked programs in STEM, management, liberal arts and social sciences majors.
