When AI Detects Pedestrians, It Extends Walking Time
Yongin City in Gyeonggi Province announced on the 11th that it will install 'smart crosswalks' that automatically extend pedestrian signals when artificial intelligence (AI) detects pedestrians at 14 school zones within the city.
'Smart crosswalks' refer to crosswalks equipped with one or more advanced technologies such as ground traffic lights, voice guidance assist devices, pedestrian detection systems, and pedestrian signal automatic extension systems. In particular, the 'pedestrian signal automatic extension system' is a system where an AI camera attached to the traffic light pole detects pedestrians and automatically extends the signal time if it determines that there is insufficient time to cross, thereby protecting the safety of vulnerable road users.
The planned installation sites include 14 school zones in front of elementary schools such as Yeokbuk Elementary and Dunjeon Elementary in Cheoin-gu, Guseong Elementary and Chodang Elementary in Giheung-gu, and Daeji Elementary and Hyeonam Elementary in Suji-gu.
The city also plans to install a 'right-turn vehicle warning system' that sends videos and messages to LED electronic displays when the AI camera detects pedestrians in the right-turn direction to help right-turning drivers at intersections secure better visibility. The target locations are eight school zones including Galkok Elementary in Giheung-gu and Jeongpyeong Elementary in Suji-gu.
To ensure smooth operation of the smart crosswalk system, the city will establish an integrated management system at the Advanced Traffic Center to collect big data for traffic safety and analyze safety levels, with plans to expand smart crosswalks in the future.
For this purpose, the city has completed the basic design service for the '2024 Yongin City Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Construction Project' containing these details and plans to complete installation by the end of this year. The project will invest a total budget of 980 million KRW. Separately, the city plans to invest an additional 1.7 billion KRW from city and provincial funds to reinforce traffic safety facilities for pedestrian safety, such as LED ground traffic lights, voice guidance assist devices, and red remaining time indicators.
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