Project Title:
Automated Escalator Fall Detection
and Safety System
Team Details:
Team Number:3
DevaKumar E
Madhumitha K
Swathi P
Team Guide Name:Ms Sudha
Abstract:
Escalators, though widely used in public places, often pose risks due to
accidental falls, especially among first-time users and elderly passengers. This
project proposes an Automated Escalator Fall Detection and Safety System
that uses IR, ultrasonic, and pressure sensors integrated with a
microcontroller to detect unusual movements in real time. On detecting a
fall, the system automatically stops the escalator, triggers visual and audio
alerts, and restarts only after ensuring the area is safe. The prototype aims to
achieve high detection accuracy while minimizing false alarms, thereby
improving passenger safety, reducing downtime, and supporting Smart City
safety initiatives.
Existing Solution VS Proposed solution:
Existing Solutions:
Use basic pressure sensors or light barriers to detect obstacles.
Can only sense blockages (object/person standing still), not complex events like falls.
Often trigger false alarms (e.g., luggage, small objects).
Escalator may continue moving even if a fall occurs undetected.
Limited accuracy and reliability in crowded public places.
Proposed Solution:
Uses multi-sensor fusion (IR, ultrasonic/ToF, pressure mats) for real-time fall
detection.
Detects abnormal movements (imbalance, sudden weight drop, unusual body
position).
Automatically stops escalator immediately on fall detection.
Provides alerts (buzzer + beacon light) for quick response.
Escalator restarts only after safety check, ensuring passenger protection.
Aims for >90% accuracy while reducing false positives.
Literature Survey:
•Pressure mats have been used for escalator safety but are limited to
object detection and prone to false alarms.
•IR sensors/light barriers detect blockages at entry/exit but fail to
identify falls or abnormal movements.
•Computer vision methods (CCTV + AI) show high accuracy in fall
detection but are costly and require heavy processing.
•Ultrasonic/ToF sensors are reliable for detecting sudden movements
and imbalance.
•Hence, existing systems lack real-time, accurate, and cost-effective
fall detection, which this project addresses using multi-sensor fusion
with a microcontroller-based safety system.
Methodology:
•Hardware Setup
•Install IR sensors at escalator entry/exit points to detect unusual blockage or movement.
•Place pressure mats on steps to sense sudden weight changes or imbalance.
•Use ultrasonic / Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensors at the sides to monitor abnormal movement or
fall patterns.
•Interface all sensors with a microcontroller (Raspberry Pi/Arduino/PIC) and connect to the
safety relay of the escalator.
•Data Acquisition & Detection Algorithm
•Collect real-time signals from multiple sensors.
•Process the data to identify conditions such as imbalance, sudden drop in pressure, or
irregular body position.
•Apply a threshold-based algorithm to confirm fall detection while minimizing false triggers.
Control System Implementation
Once a fall is detected, the microcontroller immediately activates the safety relay to stop the escalator.
Simultaneously, it triggers buzzer alarms and beacon lights to alert nearby staff and passengers.
A restart protocol ensures the escalator resumes only when the area is clear of obstacles.
Testing & Validation
Simulate both normal usage and fall scenarios to evaluate detection accuracy.
Fine-tune sensor placement and algorithm thresholds to reduce false alarms.
Record system response time to ensure real-time safety action.
Optimization & Prototype Development
Optimize sensor integration for accuracy and cost-effectiveness.
Build a scaled-down prototype escalator model with the integrated safety system.
Document performance results and prepare for demonstration at exhibitions.
Tools and Software Required:
Hardware Tools
Microcontroller / Processor: Raspberry Pi / Arduino / PIC16F877A (for sensor integration & control)
Sensors:
IR sensors (entry/exit monitoring)
Ultrasonic / Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensors (fall/obstacle detection)
Pressure mats (weight/imbalance detection)
Relay / Safety Contactor Module (for stopping escalator motor)
Power Supply Units (5V / 12V adapters, battery backup)
Indicators & Alerts: Buzzer, LED indicators, beacon light
Prototype Materials: PCB board, connectors, wires, enclosures, mounting hardware
Emergency Stop Button (manual override)
Software Tools
Arduino IDE / MPLAB X / Thonny (Python IDE) → for microcontroller programming
Python / C / Embedded C → algorithm implementation
OpenCV (optional, if computer vision extension is added) → image/video-based fall detection
MATLAB / Proteus / Multisim → for simulation and validation of sensor responses
Fritzing / Eagle / KiCad → circuit design and PCB layout
MS Excel / Origin / MATLAB → data logging and performance analysis
MS Word / LaTeX → report documentation
Project Timeline:
Week 1: Planning and Component Procurement
Week 2: Hardware Assembly and Wiring
Week 3: Software and Algorithm Development
Week 4: Testing, Calibration, and Fine-Tuning
Week 5: Final Integration and Demonstration Preparation
Thank You
