We are SMART, a group of Trinity College Dublin students, seeking to make Ireland's Rail system publically accessible.
The gap between the train and the platform makes Ireland's rail system difficult to independently navigate for people with mobility difficulties. Irish Rail recommend that when requesting assistance one should contact their desired station 4 hours in advance of their DART journey and 24 hours in advance of their Intercity journey. (Irish Rail's Disability Website).
The AutoRamp, using machine vision and GPS/indoor positioning our autonoumous ramp can find the door. Meanwhile it is constantly using obstacle detection sensors, such as ultrasonic and lidar sensors to ensure the safety of all passengers. This is our proof of concept. The AutoRamp will soon be a viable, life changing solution to this problem.
67% of people with mobility difficulties don't use the rail services due to the lack of independence the current system provides them with.