Designing Drone Interfaces to Assist Pedestrians Crossing Non-Signalised Roads

2025-11-28

Australasian Computer-Human Interaction Conference

AI Summary

This study addresses the safety risks faced by pedestrians at unsignalized intersections, where the absence of traffic signals often leads to accidents due to inadequate guidance. To mitigate this issue, the authors propose a novel drone-based pedestrian assistance system that leverages unmanned aerial vehicles as dynamic traffic signal carriers. By integrating real-time traffic perception with in-situ projection and onboard displays, the system conveys critical information—such as permission to cross, stop commands, directional cues, and emergency evasion alerts—directly to pedestrians. Evaluation through virtual reality (VR) experiments demonstrates that the system significantly enhances perceived safety and reduces cognitive load, with projection-based feedback outperforming screen-based displays. This work introduces an innovative human–machine interaction paradigm for managing pedestrian behavior at unsignalized crossings.

Technology Category

• Humans and AI: Interaction Techniques and Devices
• Intelligent Robots: Human-Robot Interaction
• Planning, Routing, and Scheduling: Optimization of Spatio-temporal Systems

Application Category

• Responsible Web: Machine-in-the-loop, human agency and autonomy
• Security and Privacy: Large-scale security measurements
• Systems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Web applications in cross-disciplinary domains and verticals such as mixed reality, smart cities, and digital health

Abstract

Recent research highlights the potential of drones to enhance pedestrian experiences, such as aiding navigation and supporting street-level activities. This paper explores the design of drone interfaces to assist pedestrians crossing dangerous roads without designated crosswalks or traffic lights, leveraging drones’ ability to monitor and analyse real-time traffic data. Inspired by existing traffic signal systems, the interface communicates safety information through permissive alerts, prohibitive warnings, directional warnings, and collision emergency warnings. These safety cues were integrated into drone interfaces using in-situ projections and drone-equipped screens through an iterative design process. A mixed-methods, within-subjects VR evaluation (n=18) revealed that drone-assisted systems significantly improved pedestrian safety experiences and reduced mental workload compared to a baseline without any crossing aid, with projections outperforming screens. The findings suggest the potential for drone interfaces to be integrated into connected traffic systems. We also offer design recommendations for developing drone interfaces that support safe pedestrian crossings.

Problem

• drone interface
• pedestrian safety
• non-signalised crossing
• traffic assistance
• road crossing

Innovation

• drone interface
• pedestrian safety
• real-time traffic monitoring
• in-situ projection
• VR evaluation