Accessible Smart Mobility: Interactive Navigation for All

Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality is seeking technology providers, startups and research institutions to develop and pilot an accessible smart mobility solution for visually impaired and low-vision citizens.

The project aims to transform public transport stops, transfer hubs and municipal service points into accessible, interactive navigation points. Camera-readable visual markers will provide users with voice-guided directions, location information and service updates through their mobile devices, supporting safe and independent navigation without requiring precise camera focus.

The proposed solution should integrate physical markers with real-time public transport systems, including GTFS, GTFS-RT and CAD/AVL databases. Users will be able to access live vehicle arrival times, delays, route changes, platform or entrance directions and multilingual service information according to their device settings.

The pilot will be implemented across selected public transport routes, bus stops and high-traffic municipal buildings. It will be co-designed and evaluated with visually impaired citizens, accessibility specialists and disability-led civil society organisations. Performance will be assessed through indicators such as marker-detection capability, successful wayfinding, user satisfaction and independent access to public services.

We welcome partners with expertise in assistive technologies, accessible mobile applications, smart transport systems, real-time data integration, IoT and inclusive design. Potential cooperation models include Proof of Concept and field pilots, technology licensing and adaptation, joint development, R&D services and participation in international programmes such as Horizon Europe and Eurostars.