Ulsan City, Pilot Implementation of AI-Based Intelligent Crosswalk System

Installation of Crosswalk in Front of City Hall with Plans for Expansion

Function to Ensure Safety of Vulnerable Pedestrians through Automatic Extension of Walk Signal

Conceptual Diagram of Smart Crosswalk System.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Dongguk Lee] Ulsan City announced that it will pilot and operate an ‘Intelligent (Smart) Crosswalk System’ in front of the city hall to ensure road walking safety for transportation-vulnerable groups and pedestrians.

The smart crosswalk is a system in which AI-based CCTV instantly detects dangerous situations on the road and enables prompt and appropriate responses to ensure pedestrian safety.

As part of the next-generation Cooperative Intelligent Transport System (C-ITS) demonstration project, this system enhances the function of pedestrian detectors to prevent pedestrian accidents at crosswalks.

Existing pedestrian detectors simply detected the presence of pedestrians at crosswalks and informed passing vehicles whether pedestrians were present.

However, the intelligent (smart) crosswalk system recognizes pedestrians and vehicles through AI-based CCTV installed at the crosswalk, and provides warnings to drivers and pedestrians via electronic display boards, speakers, and warning lights about vehicle approach information and pedestrian crossing, helping to prevent accidents.

The LED floor signal installed at the crosswalk waiting line allows smartphone users to easily check the signal by looking down at the ground, and improves traffic signal recognition rates at night or during rain.

According to an actual survey by the Korea Transportation Safety Authority, compliance with traffic signals increased up to 90% after the installation of floor signals, confirming a significant effect in preventing pedestrian accidents.

Additionally, the video processing algorithm applied in this system can identify transportation-vulnerable individuals using wheelchairs or assistive devices, and if they fail to complete crossing within the given pedestrian signal time, it automatically extends the pedestrian signal to help them cross safely.

Ulsan City also plans to provide video footage of buses approaching nearby bus stops using the CCTV of this system to enhance convenience for citizens waiting for buses.

A city official said, “Through the pedestrian-centered intelligent (smart) crosswalk system, we expect to protect the walking rights of transportation-vulnerable groups and greatly contribute to preventing traffic accidents,” adding, “We plan to expand installation after reviewing citizens’ responses and satisfaction.”