SmartBlink uses AI to read pedestrians' first few strides and lengthen crossing times to match the slowest walker; a 20-second signal could be extended to 34 seconds.
Jung said the idea came from watching his grandparents struggle with short crosswalk timers in Seoul, where they often were not halfway across before the light changed.
The system is designed to detect pedestrians using wheelchairs, crutches or canes and to work in different lighting conditions, but it has not yet been deployed at any intersection.
Jung's next step is to pilot the technology with local governments, aiming to tailor installations to different community needs and eventually scale production with tech partners.
If AI can make crosswalks safer, why are cities so slow to adopt this life-saving technology?
As AI gives pedestrians more crossing time, how will cities prevent massive traffic gridlock?
SmartBlink: Jay Jung’s Award-Winning AI Crosswalk System Sets New Standard for Inclusive Pedestrian Safety
Overview
Jay Jung's award-winning invention, SmartBlink, is transforming pedestrian safety by introducing adaptive crosswalk signals that respond to real-time human behavior. Using advanced technology, SmartBlink predicts how long each pedestrian needs to cross and automatically adjusts the signal duration to match their pace. This system focuses on preventing accidents by understanding individual needs, especially benefiting the elderly and those with mobility challenges. By moving beyond fixed signal timings, SmartBlink sets a new standard for inclusive and responsive urban infrastructure, making city streets safer and more accessible for everyone.