In an effort to enhance road safety and reduce accidents, Seoul Robotics and ALP.Lab have joined forces to provide cutting-edge 3D perception traffic safety systems for the DACH region and Central Europe. LiDAR technology plays a vital role in these systems, offering detailed insights into accident-prone intersections. The initial deployment of these systems is already underway in Salzburg, Austria.
The European Union (EU) has set an ambitious goal of achieving zero road deaths by 2050. While progress has been made in several areas, bicycle crashes remain a significant concern. Unlike other modes of transport, fatality rates for cyclists have not decreased over the past decade. In fact, serious crash-related injuries among cyclists have seen a worrisome 24% increase, with a significant number of fatalities occurring at intersections.
To address this issue and save lives, Seoul Robotics and ALP.Lab have developed a LiDAR-based system that harnesses the power of Seoul Robotics’ SENSR™ perception software. This innovative solution aims to better understand the interactions between vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians, and vehicles.
The city of Salzburg, in collaboration with Salzburg Research and the mobility laboratory zukunftswege.at, has deployed the LiDAR-based solution at two high-risk intersections with multiple bicycle lanes. The system collects precise and high-frequency data on road user movements, enabling the analysis of complex interactions between vehicles and vulnerable road users.
The project has received tremendous support from the local authorities, with Siegfried Reich, Managing Director at Salzburg Research, acknowledging the valuable insights gained from the comprehensive data. By analyzing road user behavior and conflict situations, measures can be implemented to improve road safety for all.
Christian Kainz, Project Manager of the mobility laboratory zukunftswege.at, emphasized the significance of the real-world laboratory environment in facilitating the direct transmission of test results to the relevant city and regional authorities.
Road design plays a crucial role in ensuring user safety. However, until now, there has been a lack of quality data that can provide meaningful insights for improvement. Thanks to the partnership between Seoul Robotics and ALP.Lab, cities across Europe will have access to the necessary data to build smarter, safer roads.
The LiDAR systems deployed at each intersection in Salzburg utilize Seoul Robotics’ SENSR software and strategically positioned sensors to analyze object position and speed. The software can accurately differentiate between cyclists, pedestrians, and vehicles, providing real-time data for detailed analytics.
Seoul Robotics’ Vice President of Business Development, William Muller, highlighted the wider benefits of enhancing safety for cyclists and pedestrians. Apart from reducing road fatalities, improved safety encourages active mobility and leads to reduced congestion, emissions, and a healthier population.
The deep learning AI of Seoul Robotics’ SENSR software relies on non-biometric data to accurately detect, track, and classify various objects on the street, even in harsh weather conditions. The software is compatible with multiple LiDAR makes and models, enabling a comprehensive view of intersections and connecting roads. The technology records high-quality data for advanced analytics and future smart city applications.
The partnership between Seoul Robotics and ALP.Lab will soon expand beyond Austria, encompassing Germany, Switzerland, and the wider Central Europe region. This collaboration will further strengthen efforts to improve traffic safety and pave the way for innovative mobility solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is LiDAR technology?
LiDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing method that utilizes lasers to measure distance and create high-resolution 3D maps of the environment. In the context of traffic safety systems, LiDAR provides detailed insights into road user movements and interactions.
2. What is SENSR™ perception software?
SENSR™ is an advanced perception software developed by Seoul Robotics. It employs deep learning AI algorithms to accurately detect, track, and classify objects in real-time using data collected from LiDAR sensors. This software is instrumental in analyzing road user behavior and improving safety.
3. Why is road safety for cyclists a major concern?
Cyclists face a higher risk of serious injuries and fatalities compared to other road users. Despite efforts to improve overall road safety, cycling fatalities have not decreased over the past decade. This partnership between Seoul Robotics and ALP.Lab aims to address this issue and enhance cyclist safety.
4. How will this partnership benefit European cities?
Through this collaboration, European cities will have access to comprehensive data on road user behavior and interactions. This data will enable the design and implementation of smarter, safer road infrastructure, ultimately contributing to the goal of zero road deaths by 2050 set by the European Union.
5. What are the long-term implications of this partnership?
The partnership between Seoul Robotics and ALP.Lab will not only improve traffic safety in the DACH region and Central Europe but also pave the way for innovative mobility solutions. The advanced technology and data insights gained from this collaboration will contribute to the development of smarter cities and a healthier population.