How Radar Technology Supports
Safer and More Efficient Intersections

Intelligent Traffic Detection in Hamburg: How Radar Technology Supports Safer and More Efficient Intersections

In Hamburg-Wandsbek, at the intersection of Holstenhofweg and Ziethenstraße, Hamburg Verkehrsanlagen GmbH (HHVA) and smartmicro worked together to test how radar technology can enhance safety and efficiency at complex urban intersections. The goal was to reliably detect vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians, with a special focus on turning movements and long-range detection beyond 100 meters. The project is part of Hamburg’s broader effort to evaluate innovative traffic management technologies that enable safer, smoother, and more sustainable mobility.

The Challenge

The Wandsbek intersection was chosen as a test site where HHVA evaluates different detection technologies. For modern intersection management, the challenge is no longer just detecting presence at the stop line — but also capturing approaching traffic in advance, estimating queue lengths, and providing reliable data for adaptive signal control.

Traditional solutions often require multiple devices to achieve these functions, increasing costs and complexity. They can also struggle in congested traffic or with vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians. HHVA therefore needed a system that combined stop bar and advance detection in one unit (Stop+Advance), delivered lane-specific advance detection even in dense traffic, and offered accurate data to support strategies such as dilemma zone protection and signal priority.

The Solution

To meet these needs, smartmicro installed three TOPGRD sensors and one COM HUB. Each TOPGRD is designed for multi-lane, multi-object detection and can identify and classify pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles of all sizes. Crucially, each device combines Stop+Advance detection in a single unit, covering both the stop bar and advance detection zone at ranges of up to 180 meters.

The three sensors were connected to the COM HUB, which performs patented multi-sensor fusion. By merging overlapping fields of view into one unified object list, the system eliminates blind spots and ensures maximum reliability. Supported by Super Resolution AI Tracking, every object is assigned a unique ID that remains consistent even when moving between sensors. This enables seamless monitoring of turning movements and excellent counting performance across multiple lanes.

All devices were mounted on existing poles. The configuration of all devices was performed directly on site via the smartmicro Web UI. 

The Results and Benefits

The Wandsbek installation now provides HHVA with a comprehensive radar-based detection system that supports advanced intersection management. Vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians are reliably detected and classified, improving safety for vulnerable road users. With Stop+Advance detection, each approach is covered from the stop line to long-range advance zones, reducing hardware needs and installation costs.

Radar also ensures resilience in Hamburg’s variable weather. Unlike cameras, performance remains stable in darkness, rain, fog, or snow, delivering consistent accuracy all year round. Lane-specific advance detection and queue length estimation allow traffic controllers to adapt signals dynamically, while functions like dilemma zone protection and signal priority contribute to smoother flow and reduced risk at critical points.

The project also highlighted the strength of collaboration. Thanks to HHVA’s preparation and smartmicro’s adaptable technology, site-specific obstacles were solved quickly, and the system was operational in less than two hours. This partnership approach ensured the installation was optimized from the start and positioned for long-term success.

The Conclusion

The Hamburg-Wandsbek project demonstrates how smartmicro’s Stop+Advance radar technology delivers more than just detection — it provides advanced intersection management tools in a single, adaptable system. Despite challenges such as limited visibility and obstructed mounting options, the solution was quickly adjusted on-site and is now delivering reliable performance.

By combining stop bar and advance detection, multi-sensor fusion, and Super Resolution AI Tracking, the system equips HHVA with a future-proof platform for safer and more efficient traffic control. This case also shows the value of strong collaboration: together, HHVA and smartmicro successfully addressed real-world obstacles while implementing technology that enhances safety for all road users.

The Wandsbek intersection serves as both a local achievement and a benchmark for radar-based Stop+Advance solutions. It demonstrates how these systems can revolutionize urban crossings through their adaptability, accuracy, and efficiency, paving the way for the future of mobility.

Take a closer look at the installation process and discover how radar detection transforms real-world intersections

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