Ikeda Selected for AI Pedestrian Network Data Trial
Overview
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism selected Ikeda City, Osaka Prefecture, to conduct a field trial testing technology that uses AI and other tools to automatically extract accessibility information, such as pedestrian-space width, longitudinal gradients, and steps, and to assess ways to make data preparation more efficient. The trial is scheduled for late October through December 2026, with results to be compiled from January through February 2027.
Key points
- Ikeda City, Osaka Prefecture, was selected as the participating organization.
- The field trial will assess technology for automatically extracting accessibility information and ways to make data preparation more efficient.
- The trial is scheduled for late October through December 2026, and results are scheduled to be compiled from January through February 2027.
Overview
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is promoting the release as open data of information tailored to the diverse needs of people and robots using pedestrian spaces, including accessibility information along travel routes and information about accessible facilities.
By providing route searches and guidance that avoid steps, along with facility information, the initiative aims to realize an inclusive society where everyone can travel independently and with confidence.
Impact
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism says it will use this trial to work toward efficiently preparing pedestrian-space network data.
Details
The trial will use AI and other tools to assess technology for automatically extracting accessibility information, such as pedestrian-space width, longitudinal gradients, and steps, as well as ways to make data preparation more efficient.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism solicited applications from cooperating organizations from September 3 through October 2, 2026, and comprehensively evaluated applicants' proposals based on advice and opinions from outside experts, among other considerations. Ikeda City, Osaka Prefecture, was selected on October 16, 2026.