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Barcelona: trials of AI-controlled traffic lights

This dossier follows Barcelona’s AI traffic-signal projects. It distinguishes solution selection, planned trials and measured performance.

Last updated : 1 key moments
Traffic light in Barcelona in 2012.
Barcelona, June 2012; archive illustration, not the MATCAB pilot. Martin Abegglen / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0; resized. — Martin Abegglen / Wikimedia Commons — CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ ; Barcelone, 12 juin 2012 ; taille réduite.

Where things stand

On 4 November 2026, Kapsch announced MATCAB’s selection for a Barcelona pilot. Urban trials are planned in 2027; the stated improvements remain targets.

Reported information

Barcelona: Kapsch announces pilot of adaptive AI traffic lights

Kapsch TrafficCom announced its MATCAB project’s selection in the Barcelona Innova Lab Mobility Challenge on 4 November 2026. The system is to be tested in Barcelona to adapt traffic signals to road conditions, with urban trials planned in 2027.

Traffic light in Barcelona in 2012.
Barcelona, June 2012; archive illustration, not the MATCAB pilot. Martin Abegglen / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0; resized. — Martin Abegglen / Wikimedia Commons — CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ ; Barcelone, 12 juin 2012 ; taille réduite.

MATCAB is intended to analyse traffic data and coordinate decisions between intersections instead of relying solely on fixed signal timings. Kapsch’s proposal has a €358,185 budget, including €100,000 in municipal funding, according to Catalan reporting on the programme.

The company says pedestrian crossing times and other essential safety rules will remain protected by constraints that the AI cannot change. The precise pilot location is still to be selected with the city.

Kapsch targets a reduction of at least 5% in average pedestrian waiting times. This is an experimental goal, rather than an improvement already measured.

Sources 3