IIT Kanpur Hosts International Conference on Sensing and Modelling for Pedestrian Mobility and Safety

KANPUR | FEBRUARY — The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) recently hosted the International Conference on Sensing and Modelling for Pedestrian Mobility and Safety (ICSM-PMS 2026), reinforcing its role as a leading hub for data-driven research in sustainable urban mobility and road safety. The two-day international conference was held at the Pioneer Batch Continuing Education Centre (PBCEC), IIT Kanpur, and brought together researchers, academicians, and practitioners from India and abroad to address pressing global challenges related to pedestrian mobility and safety.

Organised by the Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Kanpur, the conference was conducted under a SPARC-funded international research collaboration between IIT Kanpur and the University of Melbourne, Australia. The event served as a multidisciplinary platform to examine emerging innovations in sensing technologies, data analytics, and modelling frameworks aimed at improving pedestrian safety in increasingly complex urban environments.

International Collaboration and Research Focus

ICSM-PMS 2026 was designed to foster dialogue across disciplines including civil engineering, transportation planning, data science, and urban design. Participants discussed advanced methodologies for pedestrian detection, safety assessment, mobility behaviour analysis, and data-driven approaches to urban transport planning.

The conference underscored the growing importance of evidence-based research in shaping safer, more inclusive cities, particularly in rapidly urbanising regions where pedestrians remain among the most vulnerable road users. By integrating advanced sensing technologies with robust analytical models, researchers highlighted pathways to transition from conventional, experience-based traffic management to predictive and preventive safety strategies.

Keynote Address Highlights Global Safety Concerns

The conference featured a keynote address by Prof. Milad Haghani, Principal Research Fellow in Resilience and Mobility at the Department of Infrastructure Engineering, University of Melbourne. In his lecture titled “The global rise of oversized vehicles (‘mobesity’) and how it is systematically undermining pedestrian safety”, Prof. Haghani presented compelling evidence on how the increasing size and weight of vehicles are exacerbating risks for pedestrians worldwide.

He emphasised the urgent need for data-backed policy reforms and regulatory interventions, noting that vehicle design trends must be examined alongside urban infrastructure and behavioural factors to effectively mitigate pedestrian fatalities and injuries.

Inaugural Session Emphasises Data-Driven Urban Mobility

The inaugural session included a welcome address by Prof. Salil Goel, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Kanpur, and Prof. Tarun Gupta, Dean of Research and Development, IIT Kanpur. The speakers highlighted the critical role of technology-enabled solutions in addressing pedestrian safety challenges, particularly in dense and heterogeneous traffic conditions common across developing economies.

They stressed the importance of leveraging sensing technologies, artificial intelligence, and large-scale mobility data to inform urban transport policies and infrastructure planning.

Technical Sessions and Research Presentations

The technical programme comprised four thematic sessions covering Mobility, Mobility and Sensing, and Pedestrian Safety, along with a dedicated hands-on demonstration session. Researchers presented a diverse range of studies, including:

• LiDAR-based pedestrian detection systems
• Digital twins for accessibility and infrastructure assessment
• Machine learning models for near-miss risk detection
• Geospatial analysis of pedestrian safety hotspots
• Evaluation of pedestrian infrastructure under mixed traffic conditions

These presentations showcased how emerging technologies can be applied to real-world safety challenges, enabling proactive interventions and improved urban design.

Academic Exchange and Knowledge Sharing

ICSM-PMS 2026 witnessed active participation from scholars, researchers, and students representing leading academic institutions and research organisations from India and overseas. The conference facilitated meaningful academic exchange, encouraged cross-institutional collaboration, and provided early-career researchers with exposure to cutting-edge developments in pedestrian mobility research.

The event concluded with a plenary session reflecting on key discussions and reaffirming the collective commitment of the research community to advancing safer, more inclusive, and pedestrian-friendly urban mobility systems.

Strengthening Global Research Partnerships

Through initiatives such as ICSM-PMS 2026, IIT Kanpur continues to strengthen international research collaboration and contribute to the development of innovative, data-driven solutions for sustainable urban mobility and public safety. The conference highlighted the institute’s ongoing efforts to bridge research, technology, and policy in addressing complex societal challenges.

About IIT Kanpur

Established in 1959, the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur is recognised as an Institute of National Importance by the Government of India. Renowned for excellence in science, engineering, and interdisciplinary education, IIT Kanpur spans a 1,050-acre campus and comprises 20 departments, 27 centres, three interdisciplinary programmes, and three specialised schools. With over 570 faculty members and more than 9,500 students, the institute continues to lead in innovation, research, and holistic development.

Disclaimer: This article is based on a press release issued by IIT Kanpur. The content has been edited for clarity, structure, and length and does not necessarily reflect the views or editorial stance of the publication.