GTA 5 Used for Road Safety Research and AI Training

Scientists are using GTA 5 for research in road safety. In the virtual world of the game, they test devices for cyclist protection and train artificial intelligence systems to recognize dangerous situations. This approach allows for the reproduction of accident scenarios without risk to experiment participants, reports BBC.

Researchers are attracted by the detailed game environment, realistic physics, changing weather conditions, and vehicle behavior. Additionally, GTA 5 allows for the intentional creation of almost any traffic situation, as players are not required to follow traffic rules. Using a ready-made virtual world is cheaper than specialized automotive simulators.

Devices for Cyclists Tested in GTA 5

Researchers from the University of Applied Sciences Osnabrück in Germany tested two devices designed to warn cyclists of approaching vehicles.

The first attaches to the handlebars and starts vibrating when a car approaches from behind. The second is a vest with a similar alert system. Volunteers tested the prototypes on stationary bicycles, moving through virtual Los Santos. Both devices helped participants notice potential danger, but they are not yet available for sale.

Another group of scientists from Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands studied the eye movements of cyclists. Participants observed traffic situations where parked car doors suddenly opened or vehicles pulled out of parking spaces. The data obtained can help in designing safer roads and intersections.

Game World Used for Drone Training

GTA 5 has also become a platform for developing autonomous driving systems. Researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology trained artificial intelligence to recognize dangerous driver behavior and avoid collisions.

A team from Eastern Michigan University tested one of these systems in 9 risky scenarios. Simulation results showed that its application could reduce potential human losses by approximately 24%.

Researchers Eyeing GTA 6

Developers of scientific projects are already considering the possibility of using GTA 6 for future experiments. The game is scheduled for release on November 19. Its open world could become a new virtual environment for modeling traffic situations and testing safety technologies.