Autonomous driving company Seoul Robotics has deployed its traffic signal system powered by LiDAR sensor data in Salt Lake City, Utah. According to Seoul Robotics, this is the first intersection in the US with traffic signals controlled directly by LiDAR technology.

The technology has been installed at the intersection of State Street and 5900 South in Murray, a neighbourhood in southern Salt Lake City.

Initiated by the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), the project addresses needs for sensor technology that can detect, count, and track vehicles and other road users under any weather conditions. The installation is powered by Seoul Robotics’ 3D Perception engine, housed in a compact edge device, and employing LiDAR sensors at each corner of the intersection. The 3D Perception Engine uses LiDAR data to create a digital twin of the intersection to feed data to optimise traffic flow and reduce congestion.

The project also hosts a collaboration between Seoul Robotics, Gades Sales Company, and Blue Band. Gades Sales Company, the local distributor, installed and optimised integration into local infrastructure. Blue-Band’s software translates data processed by Seoul Robotics’ 3D Perception Engine into signal commands compatible with existing traffic controllers. These integrations and optimisations are applicable to all commonly used traffic controller models in the US.

Seoul Robotics’ solution mounts directly onto existing infrastructure without significant road work and infrastructure changes. The team expect future deployment of the entire set-up to take two working days.

The LiDAR-based system supports traffic management features, including stop-bar detection, advanced vehicle detection up to 300 feet from the stop bar, and red light running. Additionally, the system boasts a vehicle counting accuracy of 99.8% at the stop bar.

The system also counts and monitors Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs), such as pedestrians and cyclists at crosswalks and curbsides. This data is crucial for traffic engineers aiming to further develop and improve intersections for the safety and convenience of VRUs. According to Seoul Robotics, the technology opens the way for smart crossings where the traffic controller can adapt to the different mobility needs of pedestrians by adjusting the greenlight time.

Lee Han-bin, CEO of Seoul Robotics, said, “Since its installation, our LiDAR-based traffic management system has consistently demonstrated excellent detection and tracking of objects, ensuring reliable performance across all weather conditions. This technology not only meets but exceeds the demands of modern traffic systems.”