The Indian Institute of Information Technology Hyderabad (IIITH) is breaking new ground in the field of mobility and road safety through the i-Hub Data Centre. Focused on interdisciplinary applications for mobility challenges, the centre has implemented a series of innovative projects, ranging from traffic monitoring and two-wheeler safety to drone-assisted infrastructure assessment and AI-driven road safety initiatives.
Tackling Traffic Violations
Traffic violations such as riding without helmets, triple riding, and wrong-side driving are pervasive issues on Indian roads. According to Dr Ravi Kiran Sarvadevabhatla , Associate Professor at IIITH, the traditional CCTV-based monitoring systems often fall short due to their fixed nature, making violators aware of their locations. To address this, IIITH leveraged ‘Bodhyaan’, a multimodal research vehicle equipped with advanced sensors, to dynamically capture traffic violations. This mobile approach ensures an element of surprise, enhancing enforcement efforts.
Further, by equipping city cabs and buses with dashcams, IIITH expanded its data collection capabilities. The distributed system enables capturing violations across the city, offering a scalable and effective alternative to static cameras. This methodology not only ensures a broader coverage but also contributes to the deterrence of traffic offenses, he said.
Enhancing Two-Wheeler Safety
IIITH has also focused on two-wheeler safety, introducing a platform that monitors rider behaviour and detects incidents such as falls. Technologies such as smart helmets and rider assistance systems are integral to this platform. Additionally, IIITH is developing a 'riding score' system that could incentivise safe driving through reduced insurance premiums or dealer discounts, encouraging a culture of responsible riding.
Drone-Based Infrastructure Assessment
In collaboration with multiple research centres, IIITH has pioneered a drone-based infrastructure assessment project. Equipped with computer vision technology, drones can autonomously measure parameters like building heights, window counts, and roof occupancy. This automation drastically reduces the time required for assessments, turning hours of manual work into seconds. The user-friendly software is designed to be accessible to non-technical personnel, making it a versatile tool for urban planning and disaster management, he pointed out.
Green Initiatives: Tree Counting, Pothole Mapping
To assess the success of municipal tree plantation drives, IIITH deployed two-wheelers fitted with GoPro cameras and GPS systems. This setup not only measured tree density but also mapped the city’s green cover through an interactive dashboard. The same technology was extended to monitor potholes, enabling authorities to prioritize road repairs effectively.
Road Safety Through AI: The i-RASTE Project
One of IIITH’s flagship initiatives, i-RASTE (Intelligent Solutions for Road Safety Through Technology and Engineering), was first implemented in Nagpur and later expanded to Telangana. By integrating AI-powered Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) with dashcams in city buses, the project identified accident-prone zones and analysed driver behaviour. The data-driven insights, combined with road safety awareness sessions, led to a significant reduction in collisions and driver alerts, demonstrating the project’s transformative potential.
Scaling Solutions Beyond Prototypes
The i-Hub Data Centre, established under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems, is committed to scaling lab innovations into real-world applications. Its engineering division ensures that solutions are robust, scalable, and ready for deployment, bridging the gap between vision and execution, Sarvadevabhatla added.
A Vision For Safer, Smarter Mobility
Through its multidisciplinary approach, IIITH is setting a benchmark in tackling mobility challenges. By integrating advanced technologies such as AI, drones, and predictive analytics, the institute is not only addressing present-day issues but also paving the way for a safer and smarter mobility ecosystem in India.
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