Jülich scientist Ann Katrin Boomers explains the test procedure of the large-scale experiment to its participants. Each green cap worn by the participants is printed with an individual code. This allows ceiling cameras to create individual movement profiles.
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As we see it
Let’s go!
With green caps and pink dot stickers: in the name of science, 1,500 volunteers dressed this way strolled, crammed and waited in the Mitsubishi Electric Hall in Düsseldorf for four days in the service of science. They were participating in the large-scale experiment as part of the CroMa project for which researchers from Jülich, Wuppertal and Bochum are investigating crowding effects on railway platforms. Cameras recorded the participants’ movements; sensors collected further data such as stress and heartbeat. The extensive experiment aims to develop new concepts for getting a large number of passengers to, on and off trains safely and efficiently. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research is funding the project.
More on the large-scale experiment at go.fzj.de/croma-EN
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Some test participants wear sensors that record heart rate and skin conductivity. Such physiological data will later provide information about how stressed or motivated the respective test subjects were.
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In some experiments, participants draw cards that stipulate a certain behaviour: being in a hurry, dreamy or the like. In this example, imaginary smartphones are handed out to simulate the distraction caused by smartphones.
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Boarding a simulated train compartment.
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Test participants look eagerly at their imaginary smartphones.
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Simulation of boarding a train.
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The experiments in the experimental rooms are captured by 16 overhead cameras. During the experiment, a central screen already provides the researchers with an overview of the course of three experiments running in parallel.
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A situation on the platform: test participants wait for a train. Helpers bring over stairs with which the boarding of the train will then be simulated.
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The coordination team from the Institute for Civil Safety Research (IAS-7) at Forschungszentrum Jülich (from left): Dr. Anna Sieben, Dr. Maik Boltes and Prof. Armin Seyfried.
Photos: Forschungszentrum Jülich/Sascha Kreklau