The CrossSafe Initiative

A real-time traffic signal detection system empowering blind and low-vision pedestrians

Around 3.5% of the world's population lives with moderate to severe vision impairment — a condition that can significantly affect safe road crossing.

The Problem

Problem Image

Every visually impaired pedestrian deserves to feel safe and confident when crossing roads, regardless of location or surrounding conditions.

Accessibility tools, such as tactile paving, audible signals, and safe route indicators, can help guide pedestrians and reduce uncertainty at crossings.

However,

Many crossings still lack the necessary accessibility infrastructure, and tools are not universally available, leaving pedestrians to navigate uncertain or complex environments.

However Image

Unexpected traffic patterns, hesitation from drivers, and inconsistencies at intersections can all delay crossings and increase safety risks for visually impaired individuals.

Our Solution

Our ML model observes traffic signal states through an in-built camera, providing audio and haptic feedback to inform the user whether it is safe to cross.

The algorithm can differentiate between vehicle and pedestrian traffic lights to ensure adaptable functionality regardless of the crossing.

Solution Image

How it Works

ML Flowchart
  • Images are captured using an in-built camera system.
  • Object identification recognises the most relevant pedestrian traffic light.
  • Colour recognition detects red and green signal states.
  • The system determines whether it is safe to proceed in real time.
  • Recommended actions are communicated through audio or haptic feedback.

The Team

HyeMin OhDepartment of Earth Science & Engineering
Isaac IpDepartment of Mechanical Engineering
Jack ChenDepartment of Materials
Tejas MungaleDepartment of Computing
Wei XuDepartment of Electrical & Electronic Engineering
Xiang GuDepartment of Bioengineering

Contact Us

For more information or if you would like to share your ideas, please send us a message.

Exhibition Road
South Kensington
London, SW7 2AZ