TRAFFIC
MANAGEMENT AND
ROAD SAFETY
Sector:
DEVELOPMENT
SUPPORT
MANAGEMENT
Services:
A one-of-a-kind programmable, AI-driven, cat eye and camera system designed for optimal roadside safety.
“Pedestrian Safety remains one of the most important challenges to road safety authorities in South Africa. The history and segregated development within South Africa further necessitate that we do much more for the protection of our pedestrians. With a multi-disciplinary approach and implementation of global best practices, it is, however, possible to significantly reduce pedestrian fatalities and make our roads safer for all”
Arrive Alive, The Department of Transport in South African
... the product addresses the critical need for a real-time early-warning system, designed to alert motorists to potential hazards such as pedestrians, stationary vehicles, and roaming livestock on the road.
Pieter Lewis, CEO and Founder of Stitchcode, along with Konrad Gastrow, Stitchcode's CTO, conceived the visionary Catz-i product. Fueled by their expertise within the traffic industry, the product addresses the critical need for a real-time early-warning system, designed to alert motorists to potential hazards such as pedestrians, stationary vehicles, and roaming livestock on the road.
In the initiation phase, we conducted a comprehensive strategy session to define the overarching solution objectives, recognizing the importance of addressing these safety concerns in a tangible and effective manner.
Problem Definition, Research, and High-Level Requirement Gathering
Over a span of two years, the entire Catz-i solution was developed, resulting in a robust system ready for real-world implementation.
Continuous Improvement, Deployment, and Delivery
Over a span of two years, the entire Catz-i solution was developed, resulting in a robust system ready for real-world implementation. As we prepare for deployment, our commitment to continuous improvement remains, ensuring that the Catz-i product stands as a reliable and innovative solution in enhancing road safety.
The integrated cameras can identify pedestrians, livestock, and stationary vehicles, activating the Catz-i to change color and/or initiate flashing signals, alerting oncoming traffic to potential dangers.
Collaborating closely with a team of mechanical- and electronic engineers, we embarked on a multifaceted design and development process. This involved meticulous work in design, technical drawings, programming, machining, and assembly.
To house the intelligent cat eye with a color-changing LED, specific molds were crafted. A specially designed unit protects the motion-detection camera, which combines with AI detection algorithms. This unit shields the camera from weather conditions and potential theft while also providing Wi-Fi access. The electronic components were carefully selected and programmed, culminating in the assembly of the comprehensive Catz-i solution.
The final product comprises a programmable cat eye strategically placed along high-accident roads. The integrated cameras can identify pedestrians, livestock, and stationary vehicles, activating the Catz-i to change color and/or initiate flashing signals, alerting oncoming traffic to potential dangers.
Problem Solving, Research, Ideation, and Conceptualization
Executing a pilot project with the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL), our team tested the detection cameras in a high-traffic zone along the N2 along the R300 near Cape Town. This phase allowed us to refine the product based on real-world scenarios and user feedback, ensuring its effectiveness in varied conditions.
Agile Development Cycles, Design, User Testing, and Feedback
