This spotlight series is dedicated to showcasing the best practices shared by ERSC members. Each month, we highlight a different member’s innovative road safety initiative. By presenting these success stories, we aim to create a collaborative environment where others can recognise, celebrate, and adopt lessons learned and best practices.
Our September spotlight shines on VIPMOD (Vision Impaired Person’s Moving Object Detector), led by The King’s Hospital School/Research Centre in Dublin. This innovative, portable app harnesses real-time detection to identify fast-moving hazards—cars, e-scooters, bicycles—and instantly alert users. By blending cutting-edge computer vision with an intuitive interface, VIPMOD empowers visually impaired and mobility-challenged individuals to navigate their surroundings with newfound confidence and independence.
Why has this initiative been recognised as Good Practice of the Month?
The initiative has been selected because it is a user-led, innovative solution that directly addresses the road safety challenges faced by disabled people and other vulnerable road users. Developed through five prototypes into a patent-pending AI-powered app, VIPMOD provides inclusive, real-time alerts to both pedestrians and drivers, helping to prevent crashes and promote independence for the visually impaired. Widely recognised with national awards, VIPMOD demonstrates how lived experience, technology and collaboration can create safer and more inclusive roads for all.
Key inspiration behind the initiative
The initiative was driven by the desire to improve road safety for people with disabilities, particularly the visually impaired. Research shows that those living with disabilities are highly vulnerable to crashes due to their limited mobility or reduced awareness of traffic hazards. By creating a two-way awareness between drivers and pedestrians, the app will help prevent crashes and make roads safer and more inclusive.
Project activities
The project has been under development since 2020. Over three years, five different prototypes have been created, evolving from magnetic field sensors and radio signals to ultrasonic detection and finally to an AI-powered mobile app with accessibility features (text-to-speech, voice recognition, dark mode and multimodal alerts).
The project has involved collaboration with experts and organisations and received advice and mentoring from different market actors. Additionally, VIPMOD has engaged with public audiences to raise awareness of accessibility and road safety issues.
How VIPMOD works
The app continuously processes the smartphone camera feed and movement-sensor data through an onboard AI model that identifies approaching vehicles and micromobility devices by their speed and trajectory. When the system predicts a potential collision, VIPMOD issues layered alerts—voice prompts, vibration patterns, and on-screen warnings—giving users a clear, timely signal to stop, change direction, or seek assistance.
Outcomes of the initiative
The initiative has resulted in a patent-pending, AI-powered accessibility app in development and has already achieved widespread recognition through national awards and formed strong industry and community partnerships. While not yet a fully deployed product, VIPMOD has already made a measurable impact by raising awareness, driving innovation, and laying the groundwork for a scalable solution to improve road safety for all.
For more information
Read more about the project here – explore the project’s activities and outcomes in further detail.
If you want to develop a similar strategy at a national level, contact the project lead, Maura Quinn at reception@thekingshospital.ie.
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