Advancing Walkability Assessment: First Pilot Test of Robotic Sensing Platform at SEC
Our research team from the Future Resilient Systems (FRS) programme at the Singapore-ETH Centre (SEC) conducted a successful pilot test in collaboration with the BE-FIT project under the Future Health Technologies (FHT) programme. The test marks a significant step toward understanding built environment factors affecting mobility.
On February 10, our research team from the Future Resilient Systems (FRS) programme at the Singapore-ETH Centre (SEC), led by Dr. Xudong Jian and ETH/SEC doctoral candidate Kiran Bacsa, conducted the first pilot deployment of a robotic mobile sensing platform, developed to assess walkability in urban environments. This initiative was carried out in collaboration with the BE-FIT (Built Environment in Falls and ArthrITis) project under the Future Health Technologies (FHT) programme at SEC.
The test took place on the National University of Singapore (NUS) campus, where the platform was deployed across lawns and walkways to collect comprehensive environmental data. The system recorded vibration acceleration, satellite positioning coordinates, and video footage, allowing for an in-depth assessment of ground surface roughness and friction characteristics. These insights are crucial for evaluating pedestrian mobility and understanding the impact of built environment conditions on movement, particularly for individuals with mobility impairments.
By integrating advanced sensing technologies with structural health monitoring expertise, this research aims to develop robust methodologies for assessing walkability and enhancing urban resilience. Future tests and data analysis will further refine the platform’s capabilities, contributing to safer and more accessible public spaces.
For more details on our ongoing research, visit https://frs.ethz.ch/research/cyber-physical-systems-resilience/resilience-modelling-of-cps.html