Sony Group (TYO:6758) unit Sony Semiconductor Solutions has begun pilot programs in San Jose, California, and Lakewood, Colorado, using AI-powered image sensor systems to ease traffic jams and improve pedestrian safety, Nikkei reported Tuesday.

The technology runs on Sony's Aitrios edge AI platform, enabling on-device processing, and was co-developed with U.S. camera maker AglaiaSense. In San Jose, trials showed 95% accuracy in tracking vehicle volume and direction, offering year-round data compared with traditional short-term surveys. Sony plans to expand to 100-200 cameras in the city, the report said.

In Lakewood, the focus is on spotting pedestrians crossing outside crosswalks, with potential to integrate driver alerts. The solar-capable system costs just a few thousand dollars-about half that of rival offerings, according to the report.

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