Pegamento from Zeist won Rijkswaterstaat's Challenge Detection 2020. They introduced a method to make bridges safer. The 'Bridge Calamity Recognizer' was chosen as the winning concept because of its application of image recognition and interface design to real-life situations. The system tracks people, means of transport and other objects across the entire bridge. A smart total solution that reduces risks when operating bridges and prevents injuries and fatalities.
Rijkswaterstaat wants to make operating objects such as bridges even safer with smart technology. With its Challenge Detection 2020, it challenged parties to find new solutions. Pegamento took up the challenge and won with the 'Bridge Calamity Recognizer'. Zeist-based Pegamento is an expert in process optimisation with image recognition, artificial intelligence and robotisation. This is a technological solution to detect persons, means of transport and other objects all over the bridge, thus preventing unsafe situations.
Also for the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee
Pegamento was already working on a system for the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee at the time of the challenge. This uses multiple cameras to track people and their viewing behaviour in public spaces. The company saw the synergy of this solution with Rijkswaterstaat's request. The system only needed modification for tracking bicycles and vehicles. "We signed up and started developing," explains Thomas de Wolf of Pegamento. "We talked to bridge operators about what would help them and built user-friendly tools to make their work clearer. With the Bridge Calamity Recogniser, they monitor safety remotely. With the output of multiple cameras and artificial intelligence form one informative whole."
Bridge operators are positive about the solution. The detection system is due to be officially commissioned in 2022. Pegamento also sees potential for its use at sporting events, for the safety of people operating forklift trucks in warehouses, and for visually impaired people in traffic. The system is easy to integrate into day-to-day practice.
