News

We are delighted to announce that two new SAFER pre-studies were approved by the Board in the first open call for collaborative research in 2022 to support our research agenda:

• Open data for bicycle classification for better planning and simulation, and for better detection from motorized vehicles (OpenBike-CD).
• Trustworthy AI from a traffic safety perspective

Safer cycling by knowing more about the flow and cyclists
The overall purpose of the study Open Bike-CD is to increase knowledge about bicycle flow by creating appropriate data for training algorithms (AI / ML) to distinguish for example who is cycling (gender, age), how they cycle, e.g. in intersections, and classifying bicycle types such as standard, electric bicycles, e-scooters. The project also aims to look into method development to standardize annotated open data for bicycle type classification, bicycle planning and simulation. Bicycle flows and the cyclists route choice at intersections will be followed by stationary camera stations to identify needs in terms of service. Infrastructure standards on travel route choices are also included in the project objectives. 

The safety benefits for knowing more about the cyclists and the traffic flow by having a standardized annotated open data set to the SAFER-partners are several. The municipalities can adapt operations and better optimize maintenance on the cycle path network where it is most needed. This, in turn, can lead to less single cyclist accidents. Detection and classification of cyclists results in a better basis for planning, expanding and improving the bicycle road network, which also results in minor accidents and less conflict with for example other road users. The data-set can also be used by the automotive industry to develop models and detection technology for self-driving vehicles by even better understand cyclists’ behaviour.

The pre-study will include three workshops to identify research questions, available data, other needs and form a strong consortia for the application. The partners in the pre-study project are VTI, Viscando, Statens Vegvesen, Folksam, Vätternrundan, Scania and Trafikia. Magnus Larsson, VTI, is leading the pre-study.

Trustworthy AI from a traffic safety perspective
In this pre-study we will look into what the ethical and legal risks and opportunities for SAFER and its partners are to use AI in automated solutions to support fulfilling the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Vision Zero. The project team will use “The SEVS way", a powerful strategic analysis methodology and toolbox to handle complexity in a systematically way.

The overall objectives with the pre-study are to generate new strategic knowledge about data handling to ensure trustworthy AI as a basis for national funding and to possible international collaborations and funding. Also, we want to identify so called “difficult questions” using the SEVS-methodology. Challenges, risks and opportunities will also be identified as a result from 2-3 seminars and workshops at SAFER’s premises.  A stakeholder analysis will also be conducted and the multi-disciplinary team will develop a strong consortium for an application to larger research project.

Some examples of relevant research questions that will be processed in the pre-study according to the SEVS-method:
•    Where do you draw the line between the societal benefits and personal digital integrity?
•    What are the ethical and legal challenges that must be managed over time?
•    How can we safeguard privacy and informed consent?
•    What type of legal and ethical requirements must be fulfilled in different contexts/ scenarios?
•    What are the legal challenges for an insurable AI based solution, based on system of system?
•    Which are the legal and ethical requirements on a so-called “Safety Contract” between
•    different tiers (system of systems)?
•    How do we create trust and security in an AI based system of systems?

The partners collaborating in this pre-study are Zenseact, Volvo Cars, Malmeken, Revere and Blackbird Law. Else-Marie Malmeken is the project leader in this study.

SAFER’s pre-study program
Do you have a traffic safety research idea that you would like to develop together with SAFER partners? We have an opportunity through our Pre-study program! Funding will proactively stimulate project generation with several SAFER partners involved to maximize the benefits of our multi-disciplinary platform and obtain a broad commitment, both between partners and within research areas. The funding is for getting started with strategic knowledge creation that can be leveraged e.g. by using the unique, new competence as a basis for national funding or an entry ticket to prestigious international collaborations. We also welcome proposals that are of a different nature, for instance for finalization of publications from a completed project or investigation of a new area. 

Simply put, projects that lead SAFER forward and contribute to the continued development of our joint collaboration platform.

Read more about SAFER’s pre-study program here: SAFER Pre-Studies Stage V Templates&Process - SAFER - Project Portal (webforum.com) (if you need access to the Webforum-portal please contact Ines at ines.heinig@chalmers.se)

The next call closes February 27, 2022. Welcome with your application!