Skip to main content

Pedestrian detection tech is big in Japan - and now coming to US

Sumitomo Pedestrian Detection sensor will be integrated into Iteris ClearMobility platform
By Adam Hill June 13, 2024 Read time: 2 mins
Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo: that's a lot of pedestrians (© Sean Pavone | Dreamstime.com)

The Sumitomo Pedestrian Detection sensor, widely used in Japan to make crossings safer for vulnerable road users, is coming to the US market.

Pedestrian fatalities in the US have increased since 2009; Sumitomo Electric Industries (SEI)'s advanced pedestrian detection sensor, launched in 2017, will be integrated into Iteris ClearMobility platform to be used on US roadways.

Currently operating in five regions in Japan, SEI says the product, which uses advanced radar technology to accurately detect pedestrians, has been instrumental in reducing traffic incidents, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly. 

“This technical and commercial collaboration with Iteris marks a significant milestone for us, as we are committed to enhancing safety standards not only within Japan, but internationally as well,” said Hitoshi Hirata, general manager of Systems & Electronics Division of Sumitomo Electric. 

“By leveraging Iteris’ extensive market expertise and distribution network, we are confident that integrating our advanced pedestrian detection sensor into the ClearMobility Platform will set a new benchmark for safety and reliability for both American pedestrians and drivers."

Joe Bergera, CEO of Iteris, says the collaboration "is a testament to our shared vision for a safer, smarter mobility future". 

The detection system will provide new pedestrian mobility data for ClearMobility, which is designed to monitor, visualise and optimise mobility infrastructure for public sector agencies and private companies. 

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • US state of the art workzone safety
    January 25, 2012
    The Texas Transportation Institute's Jerry Ullman talks about the state of the art in work zone safety in the US. Work zones are places where, perhaps more than anywhere else on the road network, mobility and safety are strongly linked. Historically, field crews and contractors wanted vehicles in work zones to be moving as slowly as possible, assuming that made conditions the safest for work crews. We are though starting to see a shift in such thinking with the realisation that excessive delays or slow-down
  • "AI can help fast-track Net Zero and Vision Zero," says VivaCity
    January 16, 2024
    Artificial intelligence isn't just about self-driving cars - and ‘smart’ doesn't always have to be shiny, new and innovative. Mark Nicholson, CEO at VivaCity, offers a few predictions for 2024...
  • Derq & CT go to Fremont
    December 9, 2021
    Derq and CT Group are partnering with the City of Fremont to deploy intersection analytics systems on a connected corridor.
  • Enforcement suppliers highlight industry best practice
    March 15, 2012
    Major suppliers of enforcement technology highlight the countries, regions or cities that they consider to be leading the way in reduction of road traffic violations. The French government’s ambitious programme of enforcing traffic law violations has proven to be an unrivalled success and is continuing to bring improvements in road safety with innovative enforcement technology.