Velodyne Lidar and the University of Nevada have published research showing that lidar sensors can be used within transportation infrastructure to improve traffic analytics, increase pedestrian safety, reduce accidents and support use of autonomous vehicles.

The paper showcases research conducted by the University of Nevada, Reno’s Nevada Center for Applied Research, in conjunction with the Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County, Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada and the Nevada Department of Transportation. The project deployed Velodyne’s Ultra Puck lidar sensors with traffic signals in real-world test environments, known as Living Laboratories, in Reno and Henderson, and sponsored by the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development. It leveraged the data captured with Velodyne’s sensors to help improve traffic analytics, congestion management and pedestrian safety.

The project validated the feasibility of using roadside lidar sensors to provide high-accuracy, multimodal traffic trajectories by testing with different sensors, deployment methods and traffic scenarios. It demonstrated that roadside lidar data can support connected-and-autonomous vehicles (CAV), enhance traffic mobility and safety analysis and integrate with existing traffic infrastructure for automatic pedestrian/wildlife warning.

The project also achieved successful implementation of lidar-based automatic rectangular rapid flash beacons (RRFB), which unlike conventional RRFB, not only serve the crosswalk area but provide many additional functions. These include traffic performance data collection, jaywalk event recording and supporting infrastructure to serve CAVs and connected non-motorist roadway users.

Until recently, existing camera-based ITS traffic monitoring technologies have been widely used to study traffic flow rates, occupancy, average speed and spot speed. However, as alternative sensors come onto the market, the weaknesses of camera-based approaches become more apparent. For example, cameras have been shown to suffer in low-light conditions, are prone to optical illusions and do not allow for people’s privacy. It is anticipated that lidar will play a pivotal role in the growth of the ITS market because lidar sensors provide robust 3D data that allows for superior object detection and tracking in a variety of lighting and weather conditions while preserving anonymity and trust among the public.

“The white paper captures how lidar technology can be the catalyst for a revolutionary data change that will impact transportation planning and systems, and prepare our roadways for the future,” said Carlos Cardillo, Director, Nevada Center for Applied Research. “Velodyne sensors are powering ‘lidar-enhanced’ roads that address roadway congestion monitoring and near-crash analysis. They are also enabling data communications with connected vehicles to support eco-drive and collision avoidance applications.”

“The Nevada Center for Applied Research is conducting visionary smart cities research that can help significantly improve traffic safety and mitigate roadway dangers,” said Jon Barad, Vice President of Business Development, Velodyne Lidar. “Their work clearly demonstrates Velodyne’s lidar sensors are ready today to help build smarter, safer transportation infrastructure.”