A Smart IOT Proximity Alert System for Highway Work Zone Safety

This study involved the development and validation of prototype devices for a proactive safety alert system in dynamic roadway work zones within the realm of smart Internet of Things (IoT). In the initial phase of prototyping, a small Personal Protection Unit (PPU) was conceived and constructed, focusing on data communication with an Equipment Protection Unit (EPU). The subsequent phase of prototyping concentrated on enhancing the PPUs by reducing their size and extending battery life. The EPU, designed to interface with both Bluetooth mesh networks and the internet, facilitates wireless communication between devices and an online server. Leveraging the Bluetooth mesh network ensures a fault-tolerant system with straightforward connectivity and energy-efficient communication. A cloud server system was established to aggregate incident data, such as near misses, detected by the PPUs and EPUs. To validate the system, outdoor trials were conducted in controlled environments to verify the proposed functionalities. Continuous refinement ensued through industry feedback and simulated laboratory tests. In Fall 2023, business demo meetings were held with potential industry licensees to explore further development and commercialization possibilities. After gaining confidence in the product through a series of systematic tests, an industry beta testing phase and a commercialization plan were established. Key findings during the research period include: (1) In controlled environments, the Bluetooth proximity sensing system reliably operates in hazardous proximity situations within work zones. (2) The system provides approximately 2.2 seconds of reaction time for both drivers and pedestrians. (3) Outdoor testing highlights the impact of obstructions on proximity alert frequencies and accuracy, emphasizing the need for multiple devices for consistent results. (4) A milestone is achieved with a patent application, and the system is being introduced for commercialization with plans for grant applications to bring the products to market.