Busan to demonstrate AI-based safe crossing light system for old people

[Courtesy of Busan City]

SEOUL -- The southern port city of Busan will demonstrate an artificial intelligence-based system that will autonomously control the time a pedestrian crossing signal is lit. Crossing lights will stay green until all pedestrians have crossed the road. The new system is designed to help children, old people and the disabled cross the road safely.

According to the National Police Agency, there were some 3,100 fatal road accident victims in 2020 and about 35 percent of them were pedestrians. The rate of pedestrians getting caught up in fatal accidents in Busan was higher than in other regions. Out of 112 deaths blamed on road accidents, 42 percent were pedestrians.

Busan City said in a statement on August 20 that the city government would select six areas in the port city to demonstrate the AI-based pedestrian crossing control system in October using cameras, sensors, and image recognition technology to detect pedestrians crossing roads and control traffic lights until the roads are clear.

"In order to achieve an advanced country-level pedestrian-centered safety culture, it is important to make administrative efforts such as strengthening traffic regulations. However, it is also important to improve the waling environment using technology," Busan's Municipal Police Association official Jeong Yong-hwan was quoted as saying.

Park Sae-jin swatchsjp@ajunews.com

Busan to demonstrate AI-based safe crossing light system for old people

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