Intelligent traffic lights for Ingolstadt: More safety on the way to school

When children, parents, cyclists, and cars meet in front of Ringsee Primary School in the morning and at lunchtime, traffic can quickly become confusing. This is precisely where the THI's "INANI" research project comes in. At the end of the project, the research team cordially invites all interested parties to learn about the results at a workshop on Tuesday, the 28th of April, from 2 to 5 p.m. at THI (room G 105) and to speak with the researchers.

The focus is on an intelligent system for controlling traffic lights that continuously analyses the traffic situation. Cameras, LiDAR technology, and environmental sensors are combined to provide reliable data even under changing conditions.

With the help of sensor fusion, this information is merged and converted into a precise situation picture. The system recognises when people want to cross the road and adjusts the traffic lights accordingly - before critical situations arise.

"We aimed to use technological innovation specifically where it makes a real difference in everyday life. Children on their way to school in particular need special protection," says Professor Gordon Elger, project manager at THI.

The system was developed at the Institute of Innovative Mobility (IIMo) at THI. One of its research focus areas is sensor technology and data fusion for environmental perception - central foundations for intelligent transport systems.

The results show that predictive traffic lights can improve both safety and traffic flow. At the same time, the developed technology has potential for use at other locations, for example, at busy junctions or in the vicinity of other schools or nurseries.

The project, which was funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and realised in collaboration with IFG Ingolstadt, shows how research can provide concrete solutions to current challenges in road traffic.