Articles tagged with Automobiles
A Portland State professor is studying the environmental consequences of the renewable energy transition, including lithium mining and battery manufacturing. The research aims to balance benefits with burdens on underserved communities, through interviews, focus groups, and workshops.
Researchers at Duke University have discovered a way to make rubbery materials up to nine times more durable without compromising their elasticity. This breakthrough could help reduce microplastic pollution from car tires, with estimates suggesting that tire wear alone releases millions of metric tons of debris into the environment eac...
A computational psychological model predicts subtle behaviors in real traffic, such as hesitating before crossing and speeding up to deny pedestrians a crossing opportunity. The model accurately simulates 32 pairs of participants interacting as driver and pedestrian in a driver-pedestrian simulator.
Researchers developed a new anode material that increases lithium-ion battery storage capacity by 1.5 times, allowing for fast charging in as little as six minutes. The innovation uses electron spin to enhance storage capacity and ferromagnetic properties.
Researchers at University of Nebraska-Lincoln are working on safeguarding US military base entry points against EV threats, focusing on high-speed ramming and zero-to-60 acceleration. The team will employ digital simulations and physical crash tests to refine barriers designed to withstand such impacts.
Researchers found that electric rideshare fleets can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but may also increase air pollution and traffic problems. The study used real-world data from Chicago to simulate the impacts of electrification.
A WVU researcher is developing a data-driven approach to enhance roadway maintenance operations, incorporating AI analysis of real-time data from sensors on consumer cars and roadside observation stations. The goal is to minimize time and resources spent on less affected roadways, reducing winter maintenance costs and time.
Research suggests that windshield washer fluid is a significant source of vehicle-derived pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can contribute to ozone formation. The study found that the levels of these non-fuel-derived gases will likely remain unchanged even as drivers transition to electric vehicles.
A new study found that older drivers who use substances are up to four times more likely to be at fault in a car crash. The research team suggests implementing risk awareness campaigns tailored for older adults and other measures such as improved road visibility, automatic safety features and licensing requirements.
Researchers at KAUST have developed a sustainable method for producing butadiene, a key component of synthetic rubber, using the Lebedev process and modernized catalysts. The new approach eliminates the need for fossil reserves and reduces environmental impact.
A new study found that 20% of households have too little allocated parking and 13.4% of surveyed households do not own a car but are still allocated a parking space. Experts are calling for planning policy to 'unbundle' parking spaces from apartments to reduce housing costs and alleviate street parking woes.
A new study finds that car crashes increase by 20-33% after Cleveland's professional sports games, particularly NFL and NBA games. Cities like Cleveland can now focus their efforts on reducing crashes in these areas.
A new open-source tool called TILE2NET uses aerial imagery and image-recognition to create complete maps of sidewalks and crosswalks. The tool has been trained on 20,000 aerial images from Boston, Cambridge, New York City, and Washington, recognizing 90% or more of all sidewalks and crosswalks in these cities.
Researchers found that flat plate bow covers can decrease up to 42% of the wind drag on the hull of ships. The study used computational fluid dynamics simulations and found that a finer mesh gave more accurate results, with 23.62 million elements as an optimum number.
A Berkeley Lab-led team has designed a new type of solid electrolyte consisting of a mix of various metal elements, resulting in a more conductive and less dependent material. The new design could advance solid-state batteries with high energy density and superior safety, potentially overcoming long-standing challenges.
Researchers developed a new non-mechanical 3D lidar system that combines scanning and flash illumination using a chip-based light source, enabling safe navigation in dynamic environments. The system can measure the distance of poorly reflective objects and track their motion, making autonomous driving safer.
A new approach, called the white phase concept, uses autonomous vehicles to control traffic flow at intersections, reducing fuel consumption and travel time. The system informs human drivers through a clearly identifiable signal, improving safety and efficiency.
Researchers developed a haptics-based automated driving system that encourages continuous engagement between drivers and automation. The system achieves this through three functionalities: interaction, arbitration, and inclusion, resulting in increased safety and comfort for human drivers.
Researchers from Utah State University have developed a new LiDAR system that improves the response time of commercial vehicles and detects movement without flaws. The technology can differentiate between stagnant and moving objects, see in the dark, and recognize potential collisions in real-time.
A Japanese study found that mandatory cognitive screening tests for older drivers led to a significant decrease in motor vehicle collisions. However, the policy also resulted in an increase in road injuries for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly among younger age subgroups.
Researchers have designed an algorithm based on insect neural circuitry to create a power-saving collision detector that can detect vehicles in real-life nighttime scenarios. The novel detector uses atomically thin and light-sensitive memtransistors, resulting in significant energy savings compared to existing systems.
A new study finds that autonomous vehicles could consume enough energy to generate significant greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the need for rapid advancements in hardware efficiency. To mitigate this, researchers recommend more efficient autonomous vehicles with smaller carbon footprints.
The three-year effort aims to establish a widely accepted protocol for comparing lidar performance. The first year's tests evaluated range, accuracy, and precision of eight automotive-grade lidars using a survey-grade reference. Results showed the distribution of measured values was not Gaussian, with significant errors in some cases.
A study by Colorado State University found that over 10% of adult female golden-mantled ground squirrels are killed annually along rural roads in the Gunnison Valley. The researchers suggest reducing personal vehicle numbers and using digital signs to alert drivers, as males are also vulnerable during mating season.
Researchers studied deer and elk behavior around a wildlife tunnel, finding they were less likely to use the crossing after displaying a 'vigilant' response to passing vehicles. The study suggests designers should focus on animals' perceptions of their environment when building wildlife crossings.
A study by Dr Ansgar Hudde found that the Dutch cycle around twice as often as Germans during winter months due to differences in mobility culture. This is attributed to a cycling culture in Germany that only encourages seasonal cycling, whereas the Netherlands promotes year-round cycling.
Researchers at Incheon National University have developed an IoT-enabled, real-time object detection system for autonomous vehicles. The YOLOv3-based model achieved high accuracy (>96%) in detecting 2D and 3D objects, outperforming other state-of-the-art detection models.
A new study published in AGU Advances found that post-lockdown auto emissions rebounded in some California areas, with affluent neighborhoods experiencing less pollution drop. The researchers used mobile laboratory data and analyzed grass samples to track CO2 levels and found significant differences between regions.
Research by Lero and Motion-S found that fitting all UK cars with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) could prevent 24% of road crashes. Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) is the most impactful technology, reducing three out of four most frequent accident categories.
Researchers developed a novel technique using isotope quenching to visualize the oxygen storage process in Pd/CeO2-ZrO2 three-way catalysts. The method revealed key insights into oxygen adsorption/desorption and surface/bulk diffusion, improving exhaust gas treatment efficiency.
The study investigates the degradation of carbon fiber-reinforced ultra-high-temperature ceramic matrix composites at temperatures above 2000°C. The results show that the amount of zirconium in the alloy affects the composite's oxidation resistance, and modifying the matrix composition is necessary to prevent degradation.
A new study explores how older adults plan for future changes, such as stopping driving or using firearms. The research found that reducing access to potentially dangerous situations should be prompted by declining ability, not age alone. Trusted messengers like family and clinicians can lead conversations around limiting access, and s...
The UC San Diego TREDS program aims to educate drivers and pedestrians about road safety with a new self-paced online program targeting underage drivers. The initiative seeks to reduce traffic-related injuries and deaths, particularly among teens aged 15-20 who are at higher crash rates.
A new ceramic material with excellent oxygen storage capacity has been developed by Tohoku University researchers. The material can remove toxic gases from exhaust emissions at lower temperatures than current materials, making it a promising solution for improving air quality in petrol and diesel vehicles.
Researchers found that permanent daylight savings time reduces deer-vehicle collisions by 16 percent, resulting in fewer animal deaths and human injuries. The study predicts that year-round DST could prevent up to 36,550 deer deaths annually.
A study published in BMJ Open found that quad bike injuries among children are significantly more severe and common than car injuries. The research highlights the need for public education campaigns to educate on ATV-related injuries, particularly in young riders.
New TOD index assesses development potential around transit nodes, ranking stations for their commercial diversity, walkability and land-use vibrancy. The study identifies areas suitable for residential growth, advising developers on informed urban planning.
A recent study by Prof. Yong-Kyun Bae found that recall letters with riskier defects and 'free of charge' notices prompt quicker corrective actions. The research highlights the need for effective, standardized communication in recall letters to improve public safety.
Mathematicians at Aston University are developing computational modelling techniques to examine biological drag reduction methods, such as fish slime secreted by predator-avoiding fish. This project aims to reduce skin-friction drag and increase the performance range of electric vehicles, contributing to a reduction in CO2 emissions.
A newly developed composite sponge-based air filter has demonstrated strong potential for applications in automobiles and industry, with high efficiency in removing particulate matter under harsh conditions. The filter's unique design and materials ensure good structural stability and adaptability to various environments.
The global survey highlights intense exposure to extreme heat, water scarcity, and flooding due to climate change, with cities in developing countries facing significant infrastructure gaps. City leaders also report challenges related to private automobiles, biking, and walking, as well as budgetary concerns and mental health issues.
Researchers from the University of South Australia found that households with solar panels and batteries can significantly reduce their annual electricity costs when charging electric vehicles. With off-peak charging, EV owners can save up to 39.6% on energy costs, making it a more affordable option for environmentally-friendly driving.
A new study at the University of Tokyo suggests that robotic eyes on autonomous vehicles can help pedestrians anticipate a vehicle's intentions, leading to safer crossings. The experiment found that participants made more cautious decisions when faced with moving eyes, with some males even reporting feeling safer.
A study by Nagoya University found that elderly drivers have longer reaction times, slower decision-making, and increased brain activity in areas responsible for inhibition and switching tasks. This suggests a higher cognitive load in situations requiring complex foot responses while driving.
A new method for generating realistic images in driving simulations uses machine learning to improve visual fidelity. This enables better testing of driverless cars and study of driver distraction, ultimately enhancing safety and interaction between humans and AI on the road.
A recent study by Florida Atlantic University found that only seven out of 50 largest US cities have strong evacuation plans in place, highlighting a need for improvement in preparing for natural disasters. The study suggests that cities with experience in major hurricanes tend to develop stronger plans.
Researchers developed a machine learning algorithm that can predict how different driving patterns affect battery performance, improving safety and reliability. The algorithm uses non-invasive probing to provide a holistic view of battery health, suggesting routes and driving patterns that minimize degradation and charging times.
Researchers have designed superfast charging methods tailored to power different types of electric vehicle batteries in 10 minutes or less without harm. By incorporating charging data into machine learning analysis, the team identified and optimized new protocols that significantly increase energy storage while minimizing battery damage.
Researchers at the University of Sussex have created an 'eternal engine' to keep next-generation atomic clocks ticking, enabling portable versions that can replace existing satellite navigation systems. The breakthrough uses microcombs and self-emergence technology to ensure stable operation in various conditions.
A recent study published in Nature Scientific Reports has found that women are better at taking over control of automated cars compared to men. The research involved 76 drivers who participated in a driving simulator study and showed that women exhibited faster reaction times and more stable operation of the steering wheel.
Studies found that commuting by car results in larger concentrations of pollutants for people inside the vehicle compared to walkers or cyclists. Exercise through walking or cycling has well-known health benefits and improves air quality.
Researchers created a profile of electric vehicle buyers and drivers, highlighting the importance of environmental communities and concern for air quality. The study also emphasizes the need for further research to analyze the association between purchasing an electric car and caring for the environment.
Researchers developed Direct Air Capture technology to remove carbon dioxide from the air using special rail cars attached to trains. The technology harnesses sustainable energy generated during braking to capture significant quantities of CO2, making it commercially viable and attractive.
Researchers developed a lidar-based system for smart cars to recognize objects more accurately than cameras. The system uses a grid map to divide the field of view into regions containing individual objects.
A new study published in Applied Economics challenges the long-held 80-20 rule in F1, finding that car and team input accounts for 20% of success, while driver skill accounts for 15%. The interaction between driver and team is found to be the biggest factor, accounting for 30-40% of success.
A new AI system uses artificial neural networks to recognize objects more accurately and stably, despite changing visual inputs. The system mimics human eye movements to improve machine vision capabilities, reducing errors in self-driving cars and other applications.
A study analyzing over 3 million EV-related Reddit posts reveals a wide spectrum of viewpoints on electric vehicles. The research found high similarities between political and fringe communities, indicating controversial opinions on environmental impacts.
Researchers warn policymakers that inadequate charging networks can derail EV adoption efforts, particularly if floods disrupt charging infrastructure, affecting not just the immediate area but also farther away. Strong public confidence in the network is crucial for long-term adoption and meeting carbon reduction targets.
Researchers developed a bumpy carbon-based material that maintains rechargeable storage capacity down to -31 F, improving lithium-ion batteries' performance in freezing temperatures. The new material enables electric cars to drive longer and reduces the risk of battery failure in extreme cold.
A new analysis suggests that Black and Hispanic Americans are disproportionately affected by traffic-related deaths, and that these disparities are larger than previous estimates show. The study found that travel distances vary among racial/ethnic groups when walking, cycling, or driving, and when these differences in activity levels a...