Técnico Students’ Project Supporting People with Reduced Mobility Awarded by Critical TechWorks
SCARM Project Uses Wireless Technology to Identify Pedestrians with Special Needs and Automatically Adjusts Crosswalk Traffic Light Timing
The SCARM project (Smart Crossing Assistance for Reduced Mobility), developed by four students from Instituto Superior Técnico, was the winner of the second edition of the Joy in Motion Merit Award, promoted by Critical TechWorks, a joint venture of the BMW Group. The award annually recognizes the best projects developed within the Vehicular Networks course unit, part of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (DEEC). The award ceremony took place on June 3rd in the Meeting Room of the Central Pavilion at the Alameda campus.
The winning team, composed of Master’s in Telecommunications and Informatics Engineering students André Melão, Diogo Correia, Joana Costa, and Ricardo Santos, developed the SCARM project with the aim of making crosswalks safer and more inclusive for people with reduced mobility. Inspired by a real-life situation experienced by millions, the system integrates RFID wireless technology to identify pedestrians with special needs, automatically adjusting traffic light timing to ensure comfort and autonomy during crossing.
The ceremony featured two finalist teams, SCARM and Biko. The teams presented their projects to a jury composed of Teresa Vazão (course coordinator), Luís Caldas de Oliveira (Técnico professor), and Luís Mendes (Chief Technical Titan at Critical TechWorks).
The Biko project, presented by Master’s in Electrical and Computer Engineering students Arttu Antikainen, Jack Trimmer, Mafalda Brito, Pedro Pinheiro, and Ricardo Martins, addressed concerns related to urban cycling, such as theft and vandalism. The team proposed a mobile application with safety features, including a real-time camera, to boost users’ confidence.
Miguel Teixeira, President of Técnico’s Pedagogical Council, congratulated the students and emphasized the importance of such awards as a “source of motivation in project development.” “We want you to be engineers who know how to work,” he said, highlighting the relevance of practical course units.
Christine Marconcin, Chief Operations Officer at Critical TechWorks, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to investing in education, noting the high quality of the projects presented. Regarding the company’s role within the BMW Group, she highlighted that “most of the technology is developed in Portugal,” positioning the country as a source of innovation. She encouraged attendees to spread the word and expressed hope to receive their applications in the future.
At the end of the session, participation diplomas were awarded to all finalist students, and the SCARM project team received a monetary prize totaling €7,000. The company also donated €1,160 to the DEEC to support the continuous improvement of the Vehicular Networks course. The department head, Nuno Horta, thanked the company and congratulated the students.
