NIT Calicut Develops AI Based Camera System to Prevent Potential Crowd Disasters

Kozhikode: Kozhikode’s National Institute of Technology (NIT Calicut) has developed a new Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered camera system capable of monitoring even the largest crowds and preventing potential disasters. The AI cameras can observe large gatherings, analyse abnormal movements, and help authorities avert emergencies before they occur.

According to NIT officials, the project was launched using 21 lakhs rupees from 40 lakhs rupees grant received from the Central Government.

The system uses CCTV and drone cameras installed at potential crowd locations. The collected footage is analysed through AI algorithms, which detect irregularities or signs of danger. The system can immediately alert the Fire Force, Police, and District Administration within seconds of detecting any threat.

Using the technology, it is also possible to calculate how many people can safely occupy a particular area, and at what point the crowd density might lead to overcrowding or a potential stampede.

Dr. P. Bimal, Assistant Professor at NIT’s Department of Architecture and Town Planning, who leads the project, said the system could also detect unusual activities such as fires in crowded streets in real time.

Preliminary tests have already been conducted at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Mithai Theruvu in Kozhikode, and the NIT Calicut campus. The system will soon be tested in a real-time environment at the Beypore International Water Fest venue in Kozhikode, where large crowds are expected.