IoT Based Crowd Detection and Stampede Avoidance using Predictive Analysis

Stampedes are an avoidable, unfortunate cause of deaths and serious injuries and yet very common. According to investigations, victims in these situations often die (trying to stand up) from tensile stress before finally collapsing to the ground because once pressure and intensity of the throng have indeed been significantly reduced. Focused crowd control methods, improved infrastructure and marking of pressure points (entry-exit points, stairwells, etc) among many other solutions have been implemented to reduce risk of stampedes. In this proposed solution, an IOT -based system using vibration sensors will be installed under the platform using which the vibrations produced by the steps taken by persons on the platform will be measured. When the vibrations cross a certain threshold, and the risk of crowding increases, an alert will be sounded to the authorities. Data collected from the vibration sensors can be analysed to observe patterns and predict future possibilities of crowding and stampede. The proposed solution will be validated by building a working prototype using an aluminium/wooden plank and testing the IOT circuit on it by manually inducing vibrations using motors. The desired outcome is to validate the prototype and deploy it at areas at a high risk of crowding to prevent injuries and loss of life due to stampedes.