Connecting data, technology and people: Meet Preeti – our Technical Project Manager and AI Champion 

At Yunex Traffic, we shape the future of intelligent traffic systems by harnessing data and digitalization to make mobility safer, smoother and more efficient.  

Meet Preeti Sethi, a Technical Project Manager in the UK. Hear about her role and see how she connects data, AI and people to drive smarter, more efficient mobility solutions – for today and tomorrow. 

Hi Preeti, thanks for speaking with us! Can you please tell us about your role and what you do?

Preeti: Yes of course. I’m a Technical Project Manager at Yunex Traffic, where I act as the bridge between Product Lifecycle Management and our Engineering teams. To put simply, I take customer and business requirements and translate them into technical deliverables, working closely with multidisciplinary teams across product development, software, operations, and field services to bring solutions to life. 

Alongside this core role, I also contribute to our UK Innovation team as an AI Champion and coordinate an AI and Data Guild, which is about finding practical ways to use innovation and AI to create better outcomes for both our teams and our customers. This gives me the opportunity to step beyond day-to-day project delivery and focus on exploring emerging AI technologies, identifying ways to improve how we work internally, and bringing more intelligent, AI-driven capabilities into our products. 

How long have you been with #TeamYunexTraffic?

Preeti: I joined Yunex Traffic in August 2022 as an Artificial Intelligence intern, shortly after completing my Master’s in AI. During my internship, I worked on a range of innovation-focused projects, from exploring how AI could be used in our Yutraffic FUSION solution for predicting vehicle arrival profiles, to looking at ways to apply it for parking capacity analysis. 

Since then, I’ve transitioned into my current role as a Technical Project Manager, while continuing to stay closely involved in AI and innovation initiatives. It’s been a really rewarding journey over the past three and a half years, with a great mix of learning, growth, and hands-on experience across both delivery and innovation. 

What excites you most about your role and the work you do?

 
Preeti: What excites me most is working with people and their ideas. As the AI and Data Guild coordinator, I get to work closely with colleagues to collect and review AI ideas. A lot of these come up through everyday conversations, chats at networking events, or more formal channels like our internal idea platform. These ideas give me valuable insight into how other departments operate and highlight a real openness to embracing AI and digitalization. There’s a real sense of curiosity and willingness to rethink how things are done, which I find incredibly motivating. 

One comment that really stood out to me was from a colleague who said they are “constantly looking for ways to make themselves obsolete.” That mindset really reflects the culture we’re building, focused on continuous improvement, and smarter ways of working. Being part of that innovation journey and helping turn those ideas into reality is what I find most exciting. 

Are there also any challenges?

 
Preeti: There are definitely challenges, especially in the AI space where technology is evolving so quickly while regulations are still catching up. We want to stay ahead and make the most of new opportunities, but at the same time, we need to make sure we are maintaining the right level of governance and security, which can be a careful balance. 

Another challenge is change itself. Even if new ways of working with AI can make us more efficient, not everyone finds it easy to adapt straight away. Bringing people along on that journey takes time, but it’s an important part of making innovation successful. 

Is there an interesting fact about your job people might be surprised about?

Preeti: One interesting thing about my role is that I am never just doing what I already know, I am constantly learning. A big part of being an AI Champion involves sharing knowledge, giving presentations, attending events, and understanding how other organizations are approaching AI. I’ve even had the opportunity to attend conferences like the Microsoft Copilot event in Las Vegas and take part in AI hackathons. What I really enjoy is that every day feels different. Whether it’s exploring new AI technologies and tools for innovation or collaborating with different teams across the business as a project manager, there’s always something new to learn. That constant exposure to new ideas and perspectives is what makes my dual role both exciting and rewarding. 

Where do you see the biggest opportunities for AI within traffic and mobility over the next few years?

Preeti: Traditional AI technologies, such as machine learning for predictions based on historical data and computer vision for AI-powered perception systems, are already helping make traffic systems more intelligent. They enable better forecasting of congestion, optimization of operations, and improvements in infrastructure performance through predictive maintenance. 

Looking ahead, I think the bigger shift over the next few years will come from more recent advances in generative AI, which are starting to transform how we interact with data. These technologies can not only make predictions but also provide recommendations in a much more accessible and conversational way. For example, we could see Microsoft Copilot style assistants for traffic control room operators that explain situations, suggest actions, or generate reports, even recommending signal strategies in real time. It opens up a completely new way of interacting with complex systems. 

One area I find particularly interesting is supporting traffic field engineers with intelligent assistants that can help troubleshoot issues by combining data, manuals, and past fixes. At Yunex Traffic, we are already evolving in this space and working towards launching solutions like this for our field teams, the future is now! 

If you could say anything to a person considering a role at Yunex Traffic – what advice would you give?

Preeti: My advice would be to stay curious and open to learning. Yunex Traffic offers a lot of opportunities to grow, and you get the most out of it when you are willing to step out of your comfort zone and explore different areas. I would also say don’t be afraid to share your ideas. There is a strong culture of innovation, and people are genuinely encouraged to think differently and try new things. If you bring that mindset, you will get a lot out of your experience here. 

Thanks for speaking with us Preeti – it’s been great to learn more about your role and what you do!