- AI Evacuation Guidance System Installed at 18 Stations on Incheon Subway Line 1… Real-time Guidance on Optimal Routes During Fires -

Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) has taken a further step towards realising a smart safety city by introducing cutting-edge technology to protect citizens' lives during emergencies such as subway fires.

The city announced that from March to the end of December this year, it is expanding the installation of an “AI-based evacuation guidance system for multi-use facilities” across 18 stations on Incheon Subway Line 1.

This system operates by analysing the fire location and spread immediately upon heat and smoke detection by fire sensors in high-traffic subway stations. It then calculates the safest and quickest optimal evacuation route. The calculated information is provided to passengers in real time via LED screens, lighting, and voice guidance, enabling swift and systematic initial response.

Incheon Metropolitan City piloted the system at two stations in 2023: Incheon City Hall Station and Incheon Terminal Station. This year, it installed a total of 935 pieces of equipment across 17 types at 18 stations on Incheon Subway Line 1, where evacuation routes are complex.

Furthermore, to verify the system's effectiveness, simulated fire drills were conducted concurrently with accredited testing by the Telecommunications Technology Association (TTA). The simulated drill took place at Gyeongin National University of Education Station from midnight on 17 December for approximately three hours, with participation from Incheon Metropolitan City, Incheon Transportation Corporation, and Gyesan 119 Safety Centre.

Furthermore, Professor Lee Min-cheol from the Department of Safety Engineering at Incheon National University and Dr Lee Deok-hee from the Korea Railroad Research Institute participated as advisory committee members, enhancing the training's professionalism and objectivity. The drill applied four fire scenarios, including platform and concourse fires, comparing and analysing evacuation routes and required times. The results confirmed an effective reduction in evacuation time, demonstrating the efficiency of the AI-based evacuation guidance system.

Shin Seung-yeol, Director of the City Planning and Coordination Office, stated, ‘Establishing an AI-based evacuation guidance system in multi-use facilities such as the underground will significantly contribute to securing the golden time for protecting citizens' lives and safety during large-scale disasters.’ He added, ‘We will continue to expand disaster and safety policies utilising cutting-edge technology, striving to realise Incheon as a smart, safe city where citizens can live with peace of mind.’