Evolution and Knowledge Structure of Wearable Technologies for Vulnerable Road User Safety: A CiteSpace-Based Bibliometric Analysis (2000–2025)
Source abstract
Abstract
This study presents a systematic bibliometric review of wearable technologies aimed at vulnerable road user (VRU) safety, covering publications from 2000 to 2025. Guided by PRISMA procedures and a PICo-based search strategy, 58 records were extracted and analyzed in CiteSpace, yielding visualizations of collaboration networks, publication trajectories, and intellectual structures. The results indicate a clear evolution from single-purpose, stand-alone devices to integrated ecosystem solutions that address the needs of diverse VRU groups. Six dominant knowledge clusters emerged—street-crossing assistance, obstacle avoidance, human–computer interaction, cyclist safety, blind navigation, and smart glasses. Comparative analysis across pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, and persons with disabilities shows three parallel transitions: single- to multisensory interfaces, reactive to predictive systems, and isolated devices to V2X-enabled ecosystems. Contemporary research emphasizes context-adaptive interfaces, seamless V2X integration, and user-centered design, and future work should focus on lightweight communication protocols, adaptive sensory algorithms, and personalized safety profiles. The review provides a consolidated knowledge map to inform researchers, practitioners, and policy-makers striving for inclusive and proactive road safety solutions.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Human-Automation Interaction and Safety · Traffic and Road Safety · Safety Warnings and Signage
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
School of Design Arts, Xiamen University of Technology, Xiamen 361024, China
Department of Human-Centered AI, Sangmyung University, Seoul 03016, Republic of Korea
Institute for Advanced Intelligence Study, Daejeon 34189, Republic of Korea
Funding
the Korea Institute of Police Technology (KIPoT; Police Lab 2.0 program) grant funded by MSIT · HAII Corporation · Fujian Province Social Science Foundation Project · 2024 Fujian Province Lifelong Education Quality Improvement Project · Fujian Province Social Science Youth Foundation Project · Xiamen University of Technology High-level Talent Research Project · Education and Teaching Research Project of Xiamen University of Technology · Virtual Reality System for Printing Materials and Technologies
References (88)
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