Enhancing Road Safety: Our Latest Measurement Campaign to Detect Vulnerable Road Users
In our ongoing effort to improve road safety, we recently collaborated with our partners on a new measurement campaign aimed at detecting Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs) in the most efficient way possible. VRUs include pedestrians, cyclists, and scooter users—essentially, anyone navigating the streets without the protection of a vehicle.
The Objective: Testing Sensor Technologies
The primary goal of this campaign is to evaluate whether various sensor technologies can accurately and reliably detect VRUs. The tools we’re using in this campaign include radar, cameras, and joint communication and sensing (JCS) technologies. By leveraging these tools, we aim to assess how well they can identify VRUs in different scenarios, ultimately contributing to safer roadways for everyone.
Key Technologies in Focus
Radar and Upward-Facing Cameras: These are crucial in capturing data from different angles and perspectives. By using these tools, we can detect the presence of VRUs and gather detailed information on their movements.
Joint Communication and Sensing (JCS): This technology allows us to synchronize the data from various sensors, ensuring that we have a comprehensive view of the environment. This synchronization is particularly important when multiple VRUs are present, as it helps us accurately determine their locations and movements.
Wi-Fi Sensing: Another innovative approach we’re testing is the use of Wi-Fi signals to detect VRUs. By measuring how signals are reflected off different objects, including pedestrians, cyclists, and scooter users, we can potentially identify their presence without relying solely on visual data.
The Measurement Campaign: Collecting Data for Better Algorithms
Throughout this campaign, we are collecting vast amounts of data to develop more sophisticated algorithms. These algorithms will be designed to recognize and respond to VRUs in real-time. Our data collection includes scenarios where pedestrians, cyclists, and scooter users are present, providing a diverse dataset to work with.
Cameras are also recording these scenarios, and with the help of JCS technology, we’re able to synchronize all the data from different sensors. This synchronized data is crucial for developing accurate detection systems that can differentiate between various types of VRUs and respond appropriately.
Looking Ahead
As we continue to analyze the data and refine our algorithms, we remain committed to advancing the technology that will make our roads safer for everyone. This measurement campaign is just one of many steps we’re taking to ensure that vulnerable road users are adequately protected in the evolving landscape of urban mobility.
