South Korea startup taps AI to prevent crowd crushes after Itaewon

Fatal disaster inspires WATA to create sensor system that works in the dark

20231005N Wata

WATA's system uses lidar sensors to track crowds even in the darkness. (Photo courtesy of WATA)

NAMI MATSUURA, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- A South Korean venture is leveraging digital technology to better manage crowds and prevent a repeat of the deadly Halloween weekend crush that Seoul's Itaewon area suffered in 2022.

Tapping strengths in laser technology and artificial intelligence, warehouse management startup WATA has developed a system that uses light detection and ranging, or lidar, sensors to track the flow of people.

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