Japanese railways are deploying AI safety systems at level crossings to detect hazards like stalled vehicles and trapped pedestrians, with government support encouraging wider adoption.

What happened

Kintetsu Railway began full-scale operation of an AI-equipped camera system at a crossing in Kyoto in May, after about a year of demonstration tests at two locations. The system automatically detects people and vehicles on tracks, marks them with colored outlines (reddish purple when danger is imminent), and triggers emergency alerts to nearby trains and railway departments. Nagoya Railroad has introduced similar systems at about 50 crossings and is also testing technology to prevent vehicles from entering crossings during road congestion.

What to watch

The AI system automatically activates an emergency notification button when danger is detected, rather than relying on manual reporting by staff. Nagoya Railroad's ongoing research into preventing vehicle entry during traffic congestion suggests the technology may expand beyond pedestrian detection.