Safe Road-Crossing by Autonomous Wheelchairs: Dataset and Evaluation

Core Concepts

Utilizing multi-sensor fusion for safe road-crossing decisions by autonomous wheelchairs.

Abstract

The article introduces a novel dataset and experimental evaluation focusing on safe road-crossing by autonomous wheelchairs. It addresses the challenges of trustworthiness in AI-based systems, particularly in safety-critical scenarios. The work is part of the REXASI-PRO project aiming to develop reliable AI for social navigation. The study involves a system with an autonomous wheelchair and a drone equipped with diverse sensors. By combining artificial vision and distance sensors, the authors designed an analytical danger function to support real-time risk-based decision-making for road-crossing scenarios without traffic lights. Experimental evaluations in a laboratory environment demonstrated the benefits of using multiple sensors to enhance decision accuracy and safety assessment.

Stats

LiDARs, radars, cameras, and sophisticated software used in self-driving vehicles [5].
ISO 7176-14:2022 Wheelchairs regulations considered [6].
European project REXASI-PRO focuses on trustworthy AI for social navigation [3].

Quotes

"We provide a novel reference scenario for road-crossing by AWs as well as hints and details about laboratory experimentation."
"We introduce an approach for road-crossing decision making based on an analytical and hence explainable danger function highlighting the importance of multi-sensor obstacle detection."
"The work has been developed within the European project REXASI-PRO, which addresses indoor and outdoor use cases to demonstrate trustworthy social navigation of autonomous wheelchairs together with flying drones in real-world environments."

Key Insights Distilled From

Safe Road-Crossing by Autonomous Wheelchairs

by Carl... at arxiv.org 03-15-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2403.08984.pdf

Deeper Inquiries

How can the findings from this study be applied to improve pedestrian safety in urban environments?

The findings from this study on safe road-crossing by autonomous wheelchairs can be extrapolated and applied to enhance pedestrian safety in urban settings. By utilizing multi-sensor fusion approaches, similar systems could be implemented to support pedestrians crossing roads without traffic lights or designated crosswalks. The analytical danger function developed in this study could serve as a basis for assessing risks associated with vehicle-pedestrian interactions, helping to prevent accidents and ensure safer road-crossing experiences for all individuals.

What are the potential ethical implications of relying on AI-driven systems for critical safety decisions?

Relying on AI-driven systems for critical safety decisions poses several ethical considerations that need to be addressed. One major concern is the transparency and explainability of these systems, especially in scenarios where human lives are at stake. Ensuring that the decision-making processes of AI algorithms are understandable and accountable is crucial to building trust with users and regulators. Additionally, issues related to bias in data collection, algorithmic discrimination, privacy concerns, and potential job displacement should also be carefully evaluated when implementing AI-driven systems for critical safety decisions.

How can advancements in autonomous wheelchair technology benefit individuals with disabilities beyond road-crossing scenarios?

Advancements in autonomous wheelchair technology have the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities beyond just road-crossing scenarios. These technologies can enable greater independence and mobility for users by allowing them to navigate indoor spaces more efficiently, access public transportation autonomously, interact with smart home devices seamlessly, and engage more actively within their communities. Autonomous wheelchairs equipped with advanced sensors and AI capabilities can provide personalized assistance tailored to individual needs while promoting inclusivity and accessibility across various environments.