Robots help children cross the road at Flemish school during test project
Two social robots helped pupils cross the road at Vrije Basisschool De Leerheide in Asse on Tuesday morning, as part of a pilot project by the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology.
The German researchers have developed a humanoid robot and a robotic dog designed to support children when crossing the road. Working together, the robots monitor traffic, interact with pupils and provide clear instructions.
The humanoid robot, named ARI, addresses the children in Dutch: “I will stop the traffic. Wait here.” Once it is safe to cross, a ‘GO’ signal appears on ARI’s chest, while the robot dog, Spot, guides the children across the zebra crossing. The robot then waves when they have safely reached the other side.
© BELGA VIDEO MAARTEN WEYNANTS
“We conducted a number of tests on campus, and we are trying to make the situation as realistic as possible,” explained professor Alexey Vinel in a video interview with Belga. “Here in Asse, there is a realistic setting. This is the very first time we are testing the robots in a school environment like this.”
Across the road, an authorised crossing guard remains on duty. However, Vinel does not believe the technology will replace such roles. “There are many places where children have to cross unsupervised; that is where the robots can come in handy,” he said.
The project was brought to Flanders by the Flemish Traffic Safety Foundation. The robots will be presented on Thursday at a ‘Traffic at School’ conference in Mechelen, allowing schools to become acquainted with the technology.
Vinel described the test as successful. “My impression is that the children understand the robots well. We hope that our robots can be deployed in schools within one or two years.”
The children themselves reacted with a mix of curiosity and caution. “Fun, but I was a bit scared when the robot’s eyes rolled. That was scary,” said Souheila.
#FlandersNewsService | Press moment by the Flemish Traffic Foundation (VSV) on robots that help children cross the street safely, in Asse, on Tuesday 24 March 2026. © BELGA PHOTO ELIAS ROM
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