OpenSpace to adapt use of real-time passenger movement system for COVID-19 support

UK startup OpenSpace, whose digital twin platform measures real-time passenger movement, has discovered a new use for its technology in the fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The pioneering system, currently deployed at St Pancras International station in London, can monitor social distancing through detecting and visualising the distance between passengers in real-time (see video above). It can also compare historical weekly and daily information to develop trend analysis. 

With social distancing measures due to the coronavirus pandemic likely to continue for six months or longer, this data provides a useful indicator of public adherence to UK government guidelines, especially when lockdown measures are lifted in stages.

OpenSpace has been using artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technology to detect and predict overcrowding at St Pancras since 2019 as part of a government-funded innovation project, and will be able to show how well the public respond to future changes to the current lockdown.

Nicolas Le Glatin, CEO of OpenSpace, explained: “Our technology is designed to detect real-time passenger separation to alert station managers to current and future overcrowding, and suggest interventions. But the unexpected events of the past few months have revealed a new application – monitoring social distancing. If our data can help better inform government strategy on COVID-19 to help save lives, then we want to do our bit.”

Live passenger movements at St Pancras from OpenSpace Cognitive Platform

Nicolas continued: “The platform detected a 90 per cent drop in passenger numbers after lockdown measures were introduced on 23 March 2020, compared with a weekday in January [2020]. This represents the scale of travel demand change due to COVID-19 in one of the UK’s busiest stations.” 

“Our purpose is to use technology to help make the passenger experience better for everyone,  including protecting privacy. Cameras with computer vision technology are key to measuring passenger flow rate, travel patterns and social distancing. The data collected is anonymous and doesn’t use facial recognition. Through the use of virtual reality (VR) headsets, operators can put themselves in the shoes of passengers in real-time. Like those approaching a crowded area, to see and feel some of what customers are feeling, driving improvement strategies,” concluded Nicolas.

The project at St Pancras was funded by the Department for Transport (DfT) through the First of a Kind Round 2 competition, delivered by InnovateUK. Other project partners include High Speed 1 (HS1), Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), Network Rail – High Speed and the Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education (BCRRE).