Brussels Mobility tests the innovative power of LiDAR technology at a strategic junction
In its ongoing ambition to improve traffic safety, flow, and smart mobility, Brussels Mobility has successfully carried out a Proof of Concept (PoC) centered around LiDAR technology. The experiment deployed by SWARCO in collaboration with Brussels Mobility ran from January to June 2025 at the testing zone of Brussels Mobility within CitCom.ai, which supports testing and validation of smart city technologies across Europe.
The test took place at the busy, multimodal intersection of Generaal Jacques Avenue and Kroonlaan in Ixelles, a strategic location where pedestrians, cyclists, cars, buses, and trams converge daily. In collaboration with SWARCO Belgium, the system integrator of the solution and the Traffic Light Controller (TLC), a LiDAR sensor was installed and connected to Ouster’s AI-driven BlueCity software.
This combination enables the collection and analysis of highly accurate, real-time traffic data without the use of cameras or privacy-sensitive images.Petra Basstanie, Operations Manager at SWARCO Belgium
Smart data, concrete applications
The PoC demonstrated the power of LiDAR technology for various mobility and safety challenges. Some of the tested use cases included:
- Counting waiting pedestrians at crossings
- Detecting turning movements, driving directions, and vehicle deceleration
- Analyzing near-accidents through sudden speed changes, conflicts, and minimal distances
- Estimating pedestrian crossing times
- Detecting illegal maneuvers and red-light violations
- Monitoring crossing occupancy and speed analysis by transport type
The collected data allows traffic lights to be dynamically adjusted to real-world conditions and helps identify high-conflict areas early. Such use cases contribute to the broader objectives of CitCom.ai TEF, that by providing these kinds of test environments enables demonstrations of advanced sensing technologies that can enhance urban mobility and safety.
Collaboration between technology and policy
With this project, Brussels Mobility reaffirmed its role as a pioneer in data-driven mobility management. Through it’s participation in CitCom.ai, it continues to provide testing opportunities that support the scaling of interoperable solutions for smart city challenges. SWARCO Belgium handled the integration of sensors, real-time data processing, and connection to the city’s existing IT systems with the AI-driven technology from Ouster.
This PoC proves that LiDAR technology is already a valuable addition today. It provides insights that are difficult or impossible to obtain with traditional methods. This enables Brussels Mobility to take targeted measures to better protect vulnerable road users and make the city safer, smarter, and more sustainable.