Risto Ojala

Our core research is centered around improving traffic intersection safety with a machine vision roadside unit. The unit is capable of detecting and localising different types of road users, and transmitting this information to nearby connected vehicles. In intersections with limited visibility due to buildings or flora, the transmitted position information allows either the driver or the vehicle itself to prepare for approaching road users they cannot see themselves, thus preventing collisions caused by limited reaction times. Currently, we are developing a proof-of-concept of the system at Aalto University campus. We are looking into optimising different areas of the system operation, such as the machine vision, tracking and filtering algorithms.

In my opinion, connectivity will be the game changer of mobility in the future. Vehicles communicating with each other and the road infrastructure will revolutionise the way we approach traffic management and road safety. Real-time information of present traffic will allow vehicles to take less congested routes, as well as enable the infrastructure to optimally control the traffic signals, reducing emissions and saving the valuable time of the passengers. Vehicle collisions can be drastically reduced, as each vehicle will be aware of the positions and trajectories of other vehicles. Vulnerable road users will also get to enjoy increased safety, as vehicles won’t have to solely rely on their own sensors, having access to observations made by sensors of other vehicles and the infrastructure.