Better Peace of Mind: Traffic Stop App Launches Pilot Program

Through PGH Lab, a Pittsburgh-based pilot program that partners with local entrepreneurs to address city-wide challenges, Make It Home Safe has been contracted by the city’s department of public safety and police to pilot its traffic stop safety app. The goal is to demonstrate how the technology can reduce stress, violence, human trafficking and the tensions often surrounding police-community interactions.

Founder Carlton Vreen, motivated by personal experiences with racial profiling during traffic stops, created the app after his son began driving. He wanted a solution that could foster safe, positive encounters between drivers and law enforcement, while also promoting responsible driving. Alongside his wife Pamela and their team, Carlton is working to roll out the app in police departments across the country.

The app allows for real-time, remote identification, building trust and reducing the chance of escalation. Key features include emergency alerts to notify loved ones during a stop, medical and disability notifications, officer identification and violation alerts. Another feature being tested is the ability to exchange driver and officer information before the officer exits their vehicle.

The Make It Home Safe team aims to use the PGH Lab pilot to create a scalable model for Pittsburgh and cities nationwide. The app is available on Google Play and the Apple App Store.

Staying connected on the road is essential. CTA’s latest wireless study examines consumer smartphone connectivity, offering insights into how people rely on their devices every day.

From Cart to Sky: Walmart Drones Take Your Shopping List Airborne

Grocery delivery just got easier. Walmart has partnered with Wing to expand its drone delivery service — starting in Dallas, TX, and Bentonville, AR — to millions more customers in Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, Orlando and Tampa, making Walmart the first retailer to scale drone delivery across five states.

Since launching the service in 2021, Walmart has completed more than 150,000 deliveries. Customers have used the service for everything from groceries to health and wellness products. Many have relied on it for forgotten ingredients and urgent care needs.

The expanded drone service will roll out in 100 stores, building on existing operations. Using Wing’s drone technology, customers will simply confirm the precise delivery location during checkout. The drones can then cruise up to 65 mph to arrive within minutes of takeoff.

This is one of many tech innovations Walmart has launched this year, including a range of AI-powered tools like shopping assistant “Sparky,” task management tools for store associates and an interview coach to support career growth.

Curious about the power of drone technology? Dive into this CES® article to explore advancements from CES Innovation Awards® honorees. 

Safe Steps Ahead: AI Joins the Crosswalk in Pilot Program

In Bellevue, WA, 53% of pedestrian fatalities and serious injuries are linked to motorists’ failure to yield. But Archetype AI, a physical AI company working to solve real-world problems with the power of AI, is partnering with the city on a pilot program to monitor pedestrian safety and urban mobility in real time.

The company’s AI tool, known as “Newton,” is an AI model that understands the physical world. It is trained on sensor data to interpret continuous, real-time camera streams, adjust traffic signals and enable instant incident detection and response. Real-world applications of the technology could include extending the walk cycle to allow more time for people who need it or for large crowds to safely cross the road. The AI model can perceive and reason about the physical world in real time using multimodal sensor data and natural language.

Archetype AI’s Newton tool is part of Bellevue’s Vision Zero strategy, which aims to eliminate fatal and serious traffic crashes on city streets by 2030. In 2024, the pilot program was funded by a $1.43 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Testing in two diverse, high-traffic Bellevue neighborhoods is ongoing from June to August 2025.