PAC is working on an app that will enable safer navigation in smart cities in collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). Utilizing the DSRC protocol that powers the infrastructure of smart cities, the team is developing an application for iPhone called PedPal. It will communicate with smart traffic signals to let users know if they have enough time to cross the intersection or request additional time to facilitate an easier crossing. PedPal also works over cellular networks, thereby making all of this possible on one's phone without additional hardware.
The team is exploring advanced forms of localization to help travelers with low or no vision to know more about the shape of the intersection ahead of time and are experimenting with methods of indicating to the traveler if they've veered off course. Furthermore, the project endeavors to build the technology to integrate with applications used for public transportation and other existing accessible wayfinding applications.