TfWM takes global honour for wheelchair-friendly Augmented Reality navigation breakthrough

Transport for West Midlands has won a major international award from the World Smart Cities Event in South Korea which it’s hoped could deliver major improvements in mobility for wheelchair users.

It won ‘Best Partnership’ at the event in Busan for its pioneering work with Korean technology firm LBS Tech and Aston University on an Augmented Reality (AR) navigation pilot, designed to break down barriers and make travel easier for wheelchair users.

The AR-based Barrier-Free Pedestrian Navigation Service uses a camera-based AR interface, specifically optimised for users with physical disabilities.  The integration of real-time building accessibility information and optimised route guidance for wheelchair users delivers a deep understanding of the challenges faced by mobility-impaired individuals.

“This is not only a technology win, but also a huge step forward in the Mayor’s mission for a more inclusive West Midlands and a perfect example of our Transformation Strategy in action,” commented TfWM’s Strategic Head of Transport Innovation Chris Lane (pictured, left with fellow winners), “We’re working with global partners to deliver real change at home.”

He explained that: “This is just the start.  It cements the start to a partnership with the Korean Government and sets the stage for our next big moves. First, we’d like to showcase the project’s evolution when we host the UK Pavilion at the 2026 Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) World Congress in Korea, but the ultimate goal is to bring this type of technology to our streets. We are driving to turn this pilot into a fully live public service, ready to launch when we host the ITS World Congress at the NEC in Birmingham in 2027.”

Expected to welcome more than 15,000 participants from across the globe, the 2027 ITS World Congress will feature an extensive exhibition, a high-level summit for transport leaders, five days of technical and special interest sessions, hands-on demonstrations, technical visits, and robust networking opportunities. Under the theme “Connect Ideas. Transform Transport.”, the Congress will serve as a unique platform to showcase how intelligent transport systems are transforming mobility worldwide.

It’s hoped the project demonstration will show delegates from around the world how transport technology can help everyone in society, and that inclusivity can be baked into new mobility solutions from concept to delivery.

“It’s the perfect way to show the world how global partnerships can create a lasting legacy of innovation and accessibility for the people of the West Midlands,” Mr Lane concluded.