Biologically Inspired Modeling Approach for Collective Pedestrian Dynamics under Emergency Conditions

Abstract

An interesting aspect of collective dynamics of various biological entities is that they are emergent systems. A literature review examines how the fundamental principles of emergent systems can be applied to model collective pedestrian dynamics. A simulation model is then proposed on the basis of modifications of collective animal dynamics. Recent findings from experiments with panicking Argentine ants are presented to illustrate how such experiments can be used to study collective pedestrian traffic. Despite the difference in speed, size, and other biological details of the panicking individuals, the model proved capable of explaining the collective dynamics. The model's robustness is demonstrated by comparing its ability to simulate the collective traffic of panicking ants as well as collective human traffic. The lack of complementary data during emergency and panic situations is a challenge for model development. Empirical data from biological organisms can play a valuable role in the development of pedestrian traffic models from a theoretical perspective and in instances in which model validation is based on empirical data collected by video. Such a novel framework, which is based on complementary expertise, can be used as a basis for the design of solutions for the safe egress of pedestrians.