BTS Concert Crowd Density to Be Analyzed in Real Time Using AI Technology

Example dashboard for monitoring crowd density near the BTS event venue in Gwanghwamun, Seoul. Provided by STN Infotech

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Artificial intelligence (AI) technology will be used to monitor and manage the large crowds expected to gather for the BTS concert in the Gwanghwamun area of Seoul in real time.

According to industry sources on March 19, as up to 260,000 people are expected to attend the BTS concert scheduled for March 21 in Gwanghwamun, a multi-crowd density analysis system utilizing AI and Internet of Things (IoT) technology will be installed throughout the event area.

An official from Jongno-gu stated, "We will proactively respond to crowd-related safety incidents by collaborating with private companies to analyze crowd density in real time," adding, "This is the first time such a project is being implemented within Jongno-gu."

Enclosures equipped with a 'Smart IoT Scanner' for measuring crowd density. About 50 units are scheduled to be installed around the BTS event site. Provided by STN Infotech

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The equipment being used for this event is the 'Smart IoT Scanner' developed by STN Infotech, a domestic SME manufacturer. Once the Smart IoT Scanner is installed, it is able to detect foot traffic and congestion within a 50-meter radius by capturing Wi-Fi signals emitted from smartphones.

Jongno-gu plans to install approximately 50 of these devices around the event area starting March 20 and operate them for two days-on the day of the event and the following day. The devices will be temporarily mounted on streetlights and trees surrounding Gwanghwamun Plaza.

The surface of the enclosure, which is equipped with an IoT scanner, LTE modem, and backup battery, is labeled with a message stating, "Multi-crowd safety management equipment for BTS concert," and includes a notice that unauthorized movement or damage may result in legal liability.

A representative from STN Infotech explained, "Even when visitors and citizens have Wi-Fi turned off on their phones, the device detects signals approximately every 15 seconds, allowing us to determine how many devices are present per unit area," adding, "The collected big data is then analyzed and diagnosed using AI technology." He further noted, "Unlike CCTV cameras that capture the faces of an unspecified number of people, the device does not store identifiable information, so concerns about personal data infringement are minimized."

At the CCTV Integrated Safety Center in Jongno-gu, Seoul, the current crowd density status collected and analyzed using a smart IoT scanner during the BTS Gwanghwamun event will be monitored through a large screen. Provided by Jongno-gu

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Jongno-gu will focus management efforts around the core zone (audience area), hot zone, and warm zone, which have been designated by the police according to the level of crowd density. The current status collected by the IoT scanners will be monitored in real time on a large screen dashboard at the Jongno-gu CCTV Integrated Safety Center.

The dashboard provides information such as the real-time number of people and congestion by area, the most congested zone, and cumulative visitor numbers. In addition, crowd density and risk levels for each zone are classified into interest, caution, warning, and critical stages based on the number of people per square meter.

An official from Jongno-gu said, "Not only the control center, but also safety personnel on site can easily access the dashboard on their smartphones," adding, "If a dangerous situation arises, we plan to respond immediately."

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