Articles tagged with Automobiles
A University of Houston study found that strategic investments in smaller and midsize cities can yield more new riders per dollar than larger metropolitan areas. Smaller systems may have more room to attract new riders due to limited practical transportation options before.
Researchers at ORNL developed a novel electric motor drive design that cuts neutral-point current and common-mode voltage to reduce excess heat and premature wear. The approach achieves a 90% reduction in neutral-point voltage fluctuations and a 43% drop in capacitor current stress, improving system reliability.
Scientists have created a practical way to make ultra-black coatings that meet automotive standards, using a composite of carbon black pigment and carbon nanotubes. The resulting color is a deep jet black with excellent long-term stability, opening the door for high-end car models in darker hues.
A Delft University of Technology breakthrough integrates perception, decision-making, and execution into a single framework. The model detects hazardous situations, predicts traffic evolution, and determines effective avoidance strategies, with realistic braking reaction times and human-like behavior.
The new center aims to make mobility systems more sustainable and efficient by leveraging AI, autonomy, digital infrastructure, and data-driven decision-making. Stanford faculty members across five schools are affiliated with the center, which will be funded through corporate partnerships.
A new study by MIT researchers finds that electric vehicles generate less greenhouse gas emissions and do not cost more than comparable gas-powered vehicles for most US drivers. The analysis considers individual driving patterns, meteorological data, and fuel prices to provide a comprehensive picture of emissions and costs.
A new study by TU Graz finds that women have a 60 per cent higher injury risk in car accidents compared to men. Women suffer noticeably more severe injuries even at lower collision speeds, with the risk of serious injury or death being twice as high. The study highlights the need for more realistic tests and intelligent safety systems.
Researchers analyzed battery development in electric vehicles over 15 years, finding that market innovation can quickly address material shortages and price increases. The study suggests individual materials may not be as critical to the energy transition as previously thought.
A new study by MIT researchers provides a high-resolution picture of auto emissions in NYC, allowing for more effective transportation and decarbonization policies. The method produces detailed data that bridges the gap between citywide emissions inventories and individual vehicle analyses.
Researchers examined how autonomous vehicles affect morning commutes and parking in business districts, finding that AVs could increase vehicle hours and miles traveled. Urban planners can adapt policies to accommodate AVs by adjusting parking fees or infrastructure, reducing total system cost by up to 28.5 percent.
Vision sensing systems are crucial for intelligent driving, providing critical road condition data and supporting autonomous driving functions. However, automotive-grade cameras face technical challenges such as limited dynamic range, low light performance, and image processing limitations. To address these challenges, researchers prop...
The Advanced Driving Simulation Center enables researchers to realistically test and optimize vehicles, chassis, and advanced driver assistance systems. The simulator's high bandwidth generates fine vibrations, crucial for optimizing electric vehicle comfort.
Researchers at the University of Michigan developed a pair of sensors that can detect ice and freezing rain, alerting pilots to potential hazards and reducing crashes. The sensors use microwaves and lasers to detect ice on planes and roads, potentially saving lives by slowing down drivers and preventing accidents.
Researchers used machine learning to evaluate 1,773 bus stops across Massachusetts, identifying 13 crash-relevant characteristics and proposing countermeasures. The study found that bus stop types in mixed-use arterial corridors and dense urban cores have the highest prevalence of crashes.
Researchers developed a self-healing composite that can repair itself over 1,000 times and extend the lifetime of conventional fiber-reinforced composite materials by centuries. The material targets interlaminar delamination, which occurs when cracks cause fiber layers to separate from the matrix.
A study by the University of Washington and Toyota Research Institute found that when drivers multitasked, their driving and touch screen use both suffered. The car drifted more in the lane while people used touch screens, and their speed and accuracy with the screen declined when driving.
A new method analyzes nearby vehicle motion to estimate road's trajectory and vanishing point, capturing distant road areas and enhancing safety. The system outperformed conventional and deep learning-based techniques in tests under day and night conditions, reducing intersection-related accidents.
A new study suggests that prevention campaigns for cannabis-related vehicle crashes should target middle-aged and older adults, who are at risk of driving after using the drug. Adults over 50 who use cannabis daily or have mental health reasons are most likely to drive after using THC-containing products.
A study by Graz University of Technology found that brake emissions, tyre wear, and resuspended particles from car traffic are major contributors to particulate matter. Compliance with new EU air quality limits may be difficult due to the limited effectiveness of tyres and roads in reducing these emissions.
A new poll suggests that more than 80% of people over 65 drive at least weekly, but less than half have made a plan for when they can no longer drive safely due to health changes. Only 6% of older drivers have discussed their driving with a healthcare provider.
Research by University of Birmingham scientists reveals that lower-income individuals are more likely to own cheaper, higher-emitting vehicles contributing disproportionately to local urban air pollution. Spending an additional £10,000 on a diesel vehicle is associated with a 40% reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions per litre.
A new study from the Complexity Science Hub found that European cities with a metro system have a significant reduction in car use, with an average of 37% of car trips compared to 50% in cities with only trams and 54% without rail. In contrast, tram cities show no measurable impact on reducing car use.
Researchers developed a new diagnostic metric called State of Mission (SOM) to predict EV battery performance based on both battery data and environmental factors. SOM significantly reduced prediction errors compared to traditional methods.
The BRIDGES proposal aims to develop a circular bioeconomy in the southeastern US by converting perennial agricultural grass crops into consumer goods. This initiative will create new markets for farmers and produce needed products while developing the region's workforce, ultimately providing access to high-paying jobs.
A new study from the University of Michigan analyzed 35 different vehicle combinations and found that EVs have lower emissions over their lifetime than any other vehicle type in every county in the contiguous US. The lowest emission vehicle class was the compact sedan BEV with a range of 200 miles.
A Safe Systems Approach emphasizes that road users, designers, operators, policymakers, administrators, and healthcare professionals all have a role to play in reducing fatalities. By adopting this approach, countries can realize significant success in eliminating roadway deaths, but full commitment from stakeholders is necessary.
New research suggests that driving assistance systems can backfire by making drivers less attentive and increasing hazardous behaviors. The study analyzed data from over 195,000 vehicles and found that different types of warning signals trigger opposite effects on driving behavior.
A new study from Mass General Brigham researchers found that an average of 21% of teen drivers engage in distracted driving, with many believing their peers drive distracted due to social norms. The study suggests encouraging strategies like 'Do Not Disturb' mode and ensuring teens get adequate sleep can mitigate this behavior.
A new study found that teen drivers spend an average of 21.1% of each trip viewing their mobile behind the wheel, with entertainment being the most common distraction. The study also revealed that many young drivers believe they can withstand the pressure to drive distracted and perceive a social norm of the behavior.
Research found that ADHD medication was associated with lower risks of self-harm, unintentional injury, and crime, but the magnitude of these associations decreased as prescription rates rose. The study highlights the need to regularly assess medication use in different patient populations.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers suggests that investing in EV charging infrastructure is more effective than offering consumer tax credits to boost adoption. The study found that increasing EV adoption could reduce emissions by 51% and increase sales by 26% by building Level 3 fast-charging stations.
A new study found that augmented reality can significantly increase trust in autonomous vehicles by adding, modifying or removing driving-related information. The technology uses sensors to deliver real-time data, ensuring drivers stay focused on the road while accessing critical info.
A recent study from Graz University of Technology found that adding front brake lights to vehicles can prevent up to 17% of collisions at road junctions. The research used accident reconstruction and simulation to analyze the effect of the added lights on road safety.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new fuel cell that can carry three times as much energy per pound as current EV batteries, offering a lightweight option for electrifying transportation systems. The technology has the potential to enable electric aviation and other sectors like marine and rail transportation.
A new study by Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that teen drivers who practiced more had 30% fewer crash or near-crash incidents. Researchers analyzed data from 82 teen drivers monitored for 22 months, revealing that supervised driving experiences and safety education are crucial for reducing novice driver risks.
This study finds that teen drivers in older vehicles are more likely to be involved in fatal crashes, highlighting the need for safer vehicles. The study's authors stress the importance of ensuring teens drive newer vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance technologies.
New UCLA-led research finds that telemedicine use in 2023 reduced monthly CO2 emissions by the equivalent of 61,000 to 130,000 gas powered vehicles. This modest but noticeable impact on the environment could have policy implications for US healthcare delivery.
The University of Texas at Arlington's 23 patents granted in 2024 helped boost the UT System's position among the nation's top innovators in patent technology. The UT System ranks No. 3 in the National Academy of Inventors' prestigious top 100 ranking.
The USA Center for Rural Public Health Preparedness is leading a four-year project to identify and overcome obstacles in adopting the latest trauma triage guidelines. The goal is to produce guidelines that are equally useful and relevant for anyone, whether they are in urban or rural areas.
Researchers analyzed data from Waze and police crash reports to study the effect of earthquakes on car crashes. While they found some slight increases in specific cases, most earthquakes had no significant impact on crash frequencies.
The University of Texas at Arlington has contributed 23 patents to UT System's total of 234, increasing by 15% over 2023. This recognition showcases the university's role in translating research into daily innovations.
The study reveals that riders who deliberately crash or cause dangerous situations when riding are a significant concern. The researchers also found that one-handed steering and group riding increase the risk of crashing by six times and almost triples it respectively.
The article explores the role of AI in engineering, highlighting benefits such as improved transportation and manufacturing, but also raises concerns about safety, privacy, bias, and governance. The authors discuss weaknesses in data-driven models and call for research into regulatory frameworks to address these issues.
A recent study found that urban highways in US cities reduce social ties within cities, particularly over short distances. The research, led by the Complexity Science Hub, used online social network data to quantify the barrier effect of highways on social connections.
The Dielectric Elastomer Sensor (DES) offers real-time pressure and vibration monitoring in soft fluidic actuators, ideal for robotics and biomedical devices. The sensor's flexibility and ability to withstand large deformations make it suitable for applications in automobile designing and structural health monitoring.
The University of Michigan is merging its transportation safety research with automated vehicle testing to improve roadway safety. The move marks the institution's 60th anniversary and includes Mcity, a public/private partnership test facility, to develop connected and automated vehicle technologies.
Research from Edith Cowan University found that opportunistic recalls, where dealerships try to upsell during the process, lead to negative brand personality and protest behavior. However, protests can paradoxically strengthen customer loyalty if companies effectively manage the recall issue and engage with customers.
Researchers have developed a compact thermoelectric generator system that efficiently converts exhaust waste heat from high-speed vehicles into electricity. The prototype achieved an output power of 40 Watts, with enhanced efficiency under high airflow conditions.
A new study found that driving-related conversational prompts improve driver performance in taking control of the vehicle, but only when drivers are engaged. Conversely, non-driving related tasks like solving anagrams can significantly decrease performance and render prompts ineffective.
A new study by University of Toronto researchers has developed a model that can help municipalities choose optimal locations for bike lanes, minimizing congestion and increasing cycling ridership. The model uses traffic and commuter mobility data to predict the impact of bike lane expansion on driving travel time and emissions.
A Seoul National University team developed a breakthrough technique to improve metal-polymer joints, enabling the use of plastics in car parts and reducing overall vehicle weight. This method uses laser surface texturing to create strong and durable bonds between steel and plastic materials.
Researchers are developing a software framework for crowd-sourced 3D map generation and visual localization from camera data to improve real-time updates and low-cost visual localization. This technology aims to advance self-driving vehicles and enable fully automated transportation
US youths experience disparities in firearm and motor vehicle crash fatality rates across different age groups, sexes, races, and ethnicities. A multipronged approach is necessary to address these leading causes of death, focusing on individual, community, and policy levels for high-risk groups.
Researchers at Tohoku University successfully prototyped the world's first full-scale automotive multi-material component, a suspension tower made of steel and aluminum with tailored geometry. The breakthrough in Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) technique allows for strong bonding interfaces without brittle intermetallic compounds.
A new AI model developed at the University of Georgia predicts nearby traffic movements and incorporates innovative features for planning safe vehicle movements. This approach helps reduce crashes and near-misses by consolidating two steps: predicting surrounding traffic movements and planning a self-driving car's motion.
Researchers analyzed real-time data from over 50,000 public EV charging stations to understand demand and peak times. The study found high demand during working hours in California and identified potential inequities in access to EV charging facilities across diverse communities.
A new monitoring system uses 'virtual sensing' to accurately estimate CO₂ and NOx emissions based on driving behavior. The system provides personalized environmental impact assessments, empowering drivers to manage their emissions.
Researchers from CSH and ASCII investigate Austrian companies linked to VW, finding 6,300 jobs dependent on the German carmaker. The study highlights the impact of VW's crisis on component suppliers and machine manufacturers, with long-term losses expected.
New research reveals that 'cool' white lights used in modern car headlights cause moths to fly erratically and be more likely to collide with cars. By switching to warmer-coloured LEDs or different LED technology, the impact on moths can be dramatically reduced.
A recent study found that the pandemic led to a significant shift towards staying at home, with people spending nearly an hour less per day on out-of-home activities. The trend has continued post-pandemic, with time spent away from home still lower than in 2019.