BENTO: Bundled Environmental & Navigation Traffic Observer
Project Timeline: 2025-2028 (Ongoing)
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Compact, portable sensing unit combining LiDAR and RGB or thermal camera on a small-footprint SBC-based platform.
Description
BENTO is a lightweight, modular sensing system designed for traffic and road-user observation in constrained environments. It focuses on co-located LiDAR and camera sensing in a compact enclosure suitable for rapid deployment.
The system is intended for research, field experiments, and pilot deployments where size, power, and setup simplicity matter.
LiDAR data collected at the intersection of Riverside St and University Ave to study traffic patterns and flow dynamics.
Key Characteristics
- Compact form factor
- LiDAR + RGB or thermal camera
- SBC-based (edge-capable)
- Portable and low power
- Designed for outdoor deployments
Deployment Scenarios
- Roadside or intersection observation
- Temporary traffic studies
- Vehicle-mounted sensing
- Bicycle-mounted experiments for driver behavior analysis
Bicycle equipped with prototype solid-state LiDAR data collection system to study driver behavior near cyclists
Technical Features
- Multi-modal sensor fusion (LiDAR + Camera)
- Edge computing capabilities
- Weather-resistant enclosure
- Battery-powered operation
- Real-time data processing
- Wireless data transmission
Applications
- Traffic flow analysis
- Pedestrian and cyclist safety studies
- Infrastructure monitoring
- Smart city initiatives
- Transportation research
