How can we prevent accidents before they even happen? What role do networked technologies play in reliably protecting vulnerable traffic participants? And how can all of this be translated into a practical research platform?

These questions are at the heart of the new research project PROTEKT - Platform for risk minimization with open technologies to increase traffic safety through connectivity in the transport sector. The project is funded as part of the ERDF/JTF research focus InfraProNet 2021–2027, a program that strengthens Saxony as a research location and specifically supports interdisciplinary, application-oriented innovation projects. With funding of EUR 1.5 million provided by the European Union and the Free State of Saxony, PROTEKT is laying the foundation for a cooperative research network with high future relevance.

The chairs of Transport Systems Information Technology, Traffic Process Automation and Transportation Psychology are involved, each contributing their expertise in transportation telematics, transport planning, and transportation psychology. This interdisciplinary collaboration makes it possible to consistently link technological innovations with human factors.

Kick-off meeting of the project managers of the chairs of Transport Systems Information Technology, Traffic Process Automation and Transportation Psychology.

© TUD | Hagen Ußler

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Rethinking traffic safety through connectivity

The overarching goal of PROTEKT is clear: to significantly increase traffic safety, especially for vulnerable road users (VRUs), i.e., pedestrians and cyclists. Until now, these groups have been largely invisible in the digital transport ecosystem. While modern vehicles already feature V2X communication, a technology that enables vehicle-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-infrastructure, and vehicle-to-environment interactions, VRUs have been largely left out of the picture.

PROTEKT closes this gap through several innovative approaches:

• Real-time detection and communication of VRUs:
  A scalable data platform is being developed that uses a mobile app to integrate non-motorized road users into the communication network. This enables public transport buses, motor vehicles, and VRUs to exchange safety-related information.
• Expansion of existing V2X infrastructure:
  The project integrates new wireless technologies such as Bluetooth Auracast and 5G DECT NR+, which enable robust, broadband, and energy-efficient communication. This is complemented by precise distance measurement methods that make warning systems more reliable in critical situations.
• Predictive risk detection:
  Trajectory prediction and the analysis of human perception and reaction patterns enable potentially dangerous situations to be detected early and proactively defused.

A step towards safer and more inclusive mobility

PROTEKT is creating an open, future-proof platform that combines technological innovation, traffic psychology insights, and real mobility needs. The project is thus making an essential contribution to the vision of a transportation system that is not only intelligent, but above all safe and inclusive.