Professor KWON Sung-jin’s research team wins both the Grand Prize and the AI Innovation Award

AI-based detection of road blind-spot hazards demonstrates strong capacity for solving real-world social problems

Consecutive wins in the Idea and Solution categories highlight both technical excellence and public value

[January 28, 2026]

<Professor KWON Sung-jin’s research team from Yeungnam University, winner of two major awards at the KEIT AI Life Challenge>

 Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) announced that a research team led by Professor KWON Sung-jin of the Department of Future Automotive Engineering captured two major awards at the “AI Life Challenge,” hosted by the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KEIT). The team won the Grand Prize in the AI Life Idea category and the AI Innovation Award in the AI Life Solution category.

The AI Life Challenge is a nationwide, citizen-participatory AI innovation program designed to identify AI-based solutions to everyday social problems proposed by the public. The competition was conducted over approximately 100 days, from September to December of last year, progressing step by step from idea development to the actual implementation of AI technologies.

 At the competition, Professor Kwon’s team presented a project titled “AI-Based Detection and Alert Service for Road Blind-Spot Hazards.” The project received high evaluations for its practicality and social impact. The technology analyzes road CCTV footage and in-vehicle dashcam video using AI models to detect hazards—such as potholes and fallen objects—located in blind spots outside the visual range of drivers and pedestrians. The system then accurately extracts the geographical coordinates of detected hazards and delivers real-time accident-prevention alerts by linking with vehicle and smartphone navigation systems.

 Led by Professor KWON, the research team consisted of LEE Je-ho, CHA Jun-hyung (third-year), SEO Min-gwon (second-year) from the Department of Future Automotive Engineering, and KIM Seol-bin (fourth-year) from the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The team first received the Grand Prize in the Idea category for its strong social ripple effect and feasibility, and subsequently secured the AI Innovation Award in the Solution category by successfully implementing the AI technology—demonstrating excellence in both conceptual design and technical execution. 

 Professor KWON commented, “This achievement is particularly meaningful in that the students were able to connect AI and mobility technologies developed through coursework and research to the resolution of real social issues,” adding, “The experience of independently defining on-site problems and realizing solutions through technology will serve as a valuable asset in the students’ future growth.”

 Meanwhile, this achievement represents the culmination of research and educational activities supported by Yeungnam University’s Regional Innovation System & Education (RISE) Project. Moving forward, the university plans to continue producing practice-oriented talent and technology-driven solutions to social challenges through the RISE project’s Autonomous Mobility Demonstration Innovation Lab, in close alignment with regional and industrial needs.