Research harnesses AI and IoT to enhance motorcyclist safety in ASEAN countries

Motorcyclist safety is a critical concern in ASEAN countries, where riders face a crash risk three times higher than that of other road users. Addressing this issue requires innovative solutions that go beyond traditional road safety measures.

To tackle this challenge, a team led by Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) academic Ir Prof Dr Khoo Hooi Ling embarked on ground-breaking research titled “Quantification of motorcyclist risky behaviour using naturalistic driving study approach.” The research aims to develop an integrated Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) system for real-time monitoring of motorcyclist behaviour across diverse road conditions.  It seeks to quantify risky riding behaviours through AI-based analysis, and evaluates the influence of road environment factors on motorcyclist behaviours, providing data-driven insights for enhanced road safety interventions.

The research project is funded by the New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP) under the ANCHOR V Projects. It marked UTAR’s first research funding from the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS).

To achieve its objectives, the research leverages the power of IoT-AI to collect real-time data on motorcyclist behaviour. A smart system will be installed on motorcycles, continuously monitoring behaviours like lane changes, acceleration patterns, and queueing at intersections. These data-driven insights will help identify behaviours that contribute to accidents.

The research team comprises experts from multiple institutions, including Assoc Prof Ts Dr Lee Poh Foong from UTAR, Ts Dr Teoh Chee Hooi from Taylor’s University, Lt Col Dr Tongkarn Kaewchalermtong from Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, Ir Dicky Arisikam from PT Kereta Api Indonesia, and Dr Raymond Ong Ghim Ping from the National University of Singapore.

The research offers transformative benefits to the industry and society. For the industry, the findings can help automotive manufacturers refine safety features such as smart helmets and collision avoidance systems, while insurance companies may adopt AI-driven risk profiling to create personalised, usage-based insurance plans. For society, policymakers can use the insights to develop data-driven interventions, such as improved road infrastructure and traffic regulations. Advanced motorcycle safety gadgets and rider assistance technologies will further enhance the safety of motorcyclists.

This research aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, and promotes SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure by advancing technological innovations in transportation safety. Furthermore, it contributes to SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, focusing on creating safer urban mobility and inclusive road environments for motorcyclists.

Prof Khoo’s team was motivated by the need to address real-time risk factors and complex road interactions that traditional safety measures often overlooked. With ASEAN NCAP’s support, this study will provide scientific evidence for the development of the ASEAN NCAP roadmap (2031-2035). By combining advanced AI, IoT, and big data analytics, this research will also foster safer road conditions and innovative solutions, ultimately reducing motorcycle-related accidents and fatalities across ASEAN countries.