AGD Systems Unveils AI-Powered Detector Designed to Improve Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety

AGD Systems has launched a new artificial intelligence-powered detection system aimed at improving safety for pedestrians and other vulnerable road users at crossings and junctions.

The new AGD646 AI Pedestrian and VRU Detector uses advanced machine learning technology to identify and differentiate between various types of vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and wheelchair users, within crossing waiting areas.

Unlike traditional detection systems that simply register movement or presence, the AGD646 is designed to provide more detailed situational awareness by understanding the type of road user waiting to cross. This allows traffic signal systems to respond more intelligently and potentially prioritise users considered to be at greater risk.

AGD Systems says the technology represents a significant step forward in how crossings can adapt dynamically to real-world road conditions and user behaviour.

At the centre of the system is an AI engine specifically trained for kerbside environments, enabling the detector to monitor designated crossing zones and distinguish between different categories of users with a high level of accuracy.

The company says this capability could support more adaptive signal strategies, helping improve both traffic flow and road safety in increasingly complex urban environments.

Kieran Corbally, Senior Commercial Manager at AGD Systems, said the technology’s main advantage lies in its ability to interpret the surrounding road user environment rather than simply detect movement.

The system also incorporates long-range infrared illumination to maintain detection performance during poor weather, darkness, and varying lighting conditions. According to AGD Systems, the detector can monitor kerbside areas measuring up to three metres by ten metres while maintaining reliable detection confidence throughout day and night operation.

As urban transport infrastructure becomes increasingly connected and data-driven, cybersecurity is also becoming a growing priority across intelligent traffic systems. The AGD646 integrates with AGD Connect, the company’s secure remote access platform, allowing authorised users to manage devices remotely while supporting additional cyber protection measures.

The launch reflects wider changes taking place across the highways and intelligent transport sector, where artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly important role in traffic management, road safety, and mobility systems.

Local authorities and transport operators are under growing pressure to improve safety outcomes for pedestrians and cyclists while also maintaining traffic efficiency within increasingly congested urban networks. At the same time, Vision Zero strategies and active travel policies are driving demand for smarter infrastructure capable of responding more dynamically to vulnerable road users.

AI-based detection systems are becoming an increasingly important part of this shift, particularly as cities invest in smarter junctions, connected transport infrastructure, and adaptive traffic signal technology.

The AGD646 also continues to use AGD Systems’ existing Touch-Setup configuration platform, allowing installers to adjust detection zones and system settings remotely via Wi-Fi without requiring direct physical access to the unit.

As transport infrastructure continues evolving toward more connected and automated systems, technologies capable of combining safety, operational efficiency, and secure digital integration are expected to become increasingly important across urban traffic networks.