South Korean firm Seoul Robotics has installed a lidar-controlled intersection in Utah.

The traffic signal system powered by lidar sensor data is at the intersection of State Street and 5900 South in Murray, Utah. This marks its first intersection in the USA where traffic signals are controlled directly by lidar technology.

Initiated by the Utah Department of Transportation (udot.utah.gov), the project addresses critical needs for sensor technology that can detect, count and track vehicles and other road users under any weather conditions. The installation in Murray, in southern Salt Lake City, is powered by Seoul Robotics’ 3D Perception engine, housed in a compact edge device, and uses 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 the collaboration between Seoul Robotics, Gades Sales (www.gadestraffic.com) and Blue Band (blue-band.net). Gades Sales, the local distributor, played a role in installing and ensuring the system was optimally integrated into the local infrastructure. Blue Band’s software acts as a critical interface, translating the data processed by the 3D Perception Engine into signal commands compatible with existing traffic controllers. This collaborative effort is said to guarantee the system’s adaptability to all commonly used traffic controller models in the USA.

The site installation and its commissioning were completed with little disruption to the public. Seoul Robotics’ non-invasive product mounts directly onto existing infrastructure without significant road work and infrastructure changes.

Since its installation in March 2024, the system has been operating flawlessly, demonstrating a leap in deployment efficiency and public convenience.

The lidar-based system supports traffic management features, including precise stop-bar detection, vehicle detection up to 90 metres from the stop bar, and red light running. Additionally, the system has a vehicle counting accuracy of 99.8% at the stop bar.

“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,” said Lee Han-bin, CEO of Seoul Robotics. “This technology not only meets but exceeds the demands of modern traffic systems.”

Beyond managing vehicle flow, the system also enhances traffic engineering by accurately counting and monitoring vulnerable road users (VRUs), such as pedestrians and cyclists at crosswalks and kerbsides. These data are crucial for traffic engineers aiming to develop and improve intersections for the safety and convenience of VRUs. 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.

By leveraging deep learning and extensive expertise in 3D computer vision, Seoul Robotics ensures all perceived objects are accurately tracked and classified in real time, enhancing safety and traffic flow across multiple road user types.

Founded in 2017, Seoul Robotics (seoulrobotics.org) has established itself as a player in the industrial autonomous driving market, serving major global automotive OEMs and smart cities around the world.