Articles tagged with Automobiles
Developers are integrating optical coherence tomography (OCT) machines into sensor packages to create fast and accurate LiDAR systems. These advancements enable robots and cars to see the world in a more natural and safe manner, improving interaction with humans.
A team of researchers has developed a MEMS scanning lidar that can detect objects reliably even in shaky environments. The long-range MEMS lidar prototype uses a digital controller to suppress errors caused by vibrations, allowing for stable 3D imaging and object detection.
Researchers at Duke University have demonstrated a new attack strategy that can deceive industry-standard autonomous vehicle sensors into believing nearby objects are closer or further than they appear. This vulnerability highlights the need for additional redundancy and data sharing between vehicles to protect against such attacks.
A new type of high-resolution LiDAR chip has been developed by the University of California, Berkeley, which could lead to a new generation of powerful, low-cost 3D sensors. The chip uses a focal plane switch array (FPSA) and achieves a resolution of 16,384 pixels.
A new study calculates that more than 170 million Americans lost an average of nearly three IQ points due to childhood lead exposure from car exhaust between the 1940s and 1996. This translates to a potential shift of millions from below-average cognitive ability to intellectual disability.
Research from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute found a significant drop in traffic accidents during the COVID-19 pandemic, with accidents involving males, nonwhite drivers, and individuals in the 25-64 age group showing smaller reductions.
Researchers found that vehicular emissions are a significant source of ammonia in urban air during winter mornings, contributing to toxic pollution. The study used nitrogen isotopes to track the origin of ammonia and attributed 40% of morning concentrations to vehicle emissions.
A new study found that Hong Kong's remote sensing enforcement program significantly reduced harmful chemicals at the roadside and in the atmosphere. The program led to a 22-39% reduction in total hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitric oxide emissions from high-emitting vehicles.
Researchers from West Virginia University are developing a new composite transition joint using 3D printing to reduce stress on power plant systems. The goal is to increase the flexibility and reliability of thermal power plants.
A recent study found that combining cannabis and alcohol significantly worsens driving performance compared to using either substance alone. This is because the effects of cannabis on driving are additive to those of alcohol, leading to impaired lane control and increased crash risks.
A two-year randomized trial found that cannabis use significantly impaired driving ability, particularly in the first few hours after smoking. Despite varying levels of THC content and user history, participants displayed diminished skills on simulated driving tests.
A new study published in Environmental Research found that dust removal does not mitigate exposure to TDCIPP, a carcinogenic chemical commonly used in automobile seat foam. The researchers suggest that wearing a mask in the car may be an effective way to reduce exposure.
Researchers at Nagoya University and Zeon Corporation have developed a new thermoplastic rubber material, i-SIS, with an extremely high tensile toughness of 480 MJ/m³. The material's impact resistance surpasses that of glass-fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP), making it suitable for use in automotive and other industries.
Researchers have developed heat-resistant piezoelectric sheet sensors that can detect driver impairment, including drowsiness and sudden illnesses. These sensors, attached to seats, can signal a future smart car to take action, potentially preventing accidents.
A new report from Portland State University aims to improve mobility and quality of life for older adults by developing forms of assistance and educational strategies. The study found that low-income older adults faced significant barriers to transportation, including fear of public transit during the pandemic lockdowns.
Researchers have developed a high-resolution radar sensor that can reliably distinguish between cars and pedestrians, providing counts, speed, and direction of each moving target. The sensor outperforms cameras in low-visibility conditions and beats conventional radar by providing a richer picture.
A 13-year study tracked 21,000 young drivers and found that those who took part in a resilience program were 24% less likely to have any crashes and 42% less likely to crash at night. The program addressed common youth risks like alcohol and drugs, promoting a culture of safety.
Experts call for a national compensatory body and guarantee fund to compensate victims of mass-hacking, citing potential catastrophic consequences and financial losses. The UK has an opportunity to establish itself as a leading role in connected and autonomous vehicle development by creating an insurance fund.
US car crash deaths involving cannabis have doubled between 2000 and 2018, with those also involving alcohol increasing by over 100%. Researchers found a significant link between cannabis use and increased risk of alcohol involvement in fatal crashes.
A recent study from Lund University reveals that inadequate infrastructure hindered the adoption of electric cars in the early 20th century. Electric cars were cheaper to drive and emitted less CO2 than gasoline cars, but access to local electrical infrastructure was a major factor in their popularity.
Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology developed an ultrasound-assisted extraction method for valuable metals from electric car batteries, reducing extraction time by 50% and increasing metal ion recovery. The new process uses gentler acids and eliminates the need for harsh chemicals.
Researchers used neuroscientific theories to develop a decision-making model that predicts pedestrian road-crossing decisions. The model shows that pedestrians add up sensory data before crossing, helping autonomous vehicles communicate more effectively with pedestrians.
A new study suggests that extending the life of current cars can reduce CO2 emissions significantly more than replacing them with new, green vehicles. By keeping and using cars longer, the decrease in manufacturing emissions offsets additional emissions produced by existing cars.
Scientists have developed a technique to enhance digital sensor capabilities beyond current limits, enabling applications in consumer photography, medical imaging, and space exploration. The new approach uses 'modulo' sampling to process a wider range of information, unlocking high dynamic range for sensors.
Researchers discovered that particulate emissions from auxiliary heaters can be significantly higher than those of idling gasoline vehicles, raising concerns about their environmental impact. The study highlights the need for further research on the use and development of heaters to reduce emissions.
Researchers predict huge petrol and emissions savings from implementing fuel economy standards in Malaysia. If adopted, the standards would save 16.2 billion litres of petrol and reduce CO2-equivalent greenhouse gas emissions by 37.6 million tons.
A new research project, FLOCKD, will allow smart digital units to autonomously share information with nearby units, enabling faster learning and more intelligent system behavior. The goal is to achieve synergetic problem-solving and improve overall performance.
Researchers found that robots and vehicle automation account for a small percentage of greenhouse gas emissions, with delivery vehicle size and fuel source having larger impacts. A human-driven, battery-powered cargo van has the lowest per-package footprint among analyzed methods.
Researchers at Portland State University developed data-driven speed management strategies to improve safety and efficiency in multimodal transportation. They found that disabling speed feedback signs on conventional roadways resulted in reduced driver speeds and a lower likelihood of severe crashes.
Researchers at Ohio State University developed built-in resonators that can be cut into walls or vehicle material to suppress vibrations and reduce noise. The design has potential applications in soundproofing walls and building airplane frames that minimize sound intrusion.
A new study found that a digital marketing campaign increased the number of vehicles fixed due to recalls, with a positive impact for airbag inflator-related recalls. The campaign also improved recall compliance for older vehicles, highlighting the effectiveness of digital tools in facilitating consumer access to relevant information.
Researchers found hybrid electric vehicles have twice the vulnerability to supply chain disruptions as gas-powered models, due to volatile battery prices and scarce materials. Long-term supplier contracts and material substitution can mitigate these risks as manufacturers ramp up EV production.
A new study by University of South Australia researchers found that virtual reality leads to better recall, spatial accuracy, and more consistent verdicts. Participants viewing a 3D scene were 9.5 times more likely to choose the same verdict than those relying on photographs.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed an algorithm that can assist autonomous vehicles in navigating tight spaces and unknown driver intentions. The algorithm was trained on simulation data and found to perform better than current models in handling complex scenarios like bi-directional lane usage.
Researchers at EMPA developed a mathematical system to classify cars by their dimensions, enabling easier comparison and potentially replacing expert-based classifications. This system can help standardize car classes across countries, addressing differences in definitions such as mid-size cars.
USC researchers develop AI that can simulate human imagination by recombining learned knowledge of attributes. This technique enables controllable novel image synthesis, a key step towards overcoming the generalization problem in AI. The approach has potential applications in medicine, autonomous vehicles, and fairness in AI.
Researchers at University of Southern Denmark are using a supercomputer to study decomposition of rubber polymers and develop more sustainable tires. The goal is to understand how complex polymer structures work and improve tire structure and performance.
Burnout is a significant issue in today's NHS, with 44% of staff reporting work-related stress. Improving staff health and wellbeing is crucial for the moral, social, and economic priority it represents.
A new modelling report calls for cities to reduce private car use and promote walking, cycling, and public transport. By decreasing car use, cities can lower congestion, improve air quality, and create faster, more sustainable urban environments.
A new study by the University of Surrey found that drivers in developing cities inhale a significant amount of fine air pollution particles even after spending short time in pollution hotspots. The research also showed that cities with lower GDP per capita experience higher economic losses due to PM2.5 car exposure.
A new study found that people trust AI as much as humans, but are unwilling to compromise and cooperate with machines. Researchers conducted large-scale online studies using methods from behavioral game theory, finding a consistent pattern of 'algorithm exploitation' where humans exploit AI's benevolence for personal gain.
Researchers at Penn State have designed and tested prototype batteries for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, which require high energy density and rapid charging. The batteries can sustain over 2,000 fast-charges and retain some charge to ensure safety in the air.
Researchers found that online commenters used metaphors to describe prenups as 'insurance' or 'safety features', reframe negative perceptions. Most commenters viewed prenups positively, arguing they prepare for the worst while maintaining a long-term commitment.
A study found that consumers are concerned about autonomous vehicles due to performance risks, loss of driving skills and privacy security breaches. Despite these concerns, many see benefits such as freeing time, removing human error and improved performance.
A new study has identified opioid treatment deserts in Ohio, where distances to recovery services exceed a mile or 30 minutes by public transit. These areas pose significant barriers to care, with shorter travel times found for white adults compared to Black adults.
Federated learning, a new approach to training AI models, is found to have a significantly greener impact than traditional methods. By distributing training across multiple devices, the energy consumption and CO2 emissions are reduced. This method has important privacy benefits as well, keeping data local and secure.
Researchers at Boston University found that sound levels increased substantially in Blue Hills Reservation after pandemic lockdowns reduced commuter traffic. Faster-moving cars generate more noise, disrupting wildlife and human health benefits of nature recreation.
Researchers developed a new approach to sound location using bat-inspired technology, outperforming human ears. The system uses a single frequency and receiver, creating Doppler shift signatures that are interpretable with machine learning algorithms.
Researchers found that fruit flies use decision-making, learning and memory to escape heat, a process that challenges traditional thinking on self-driving cars. The study's findings suggest that simple navigation can contain complex behavior, paving the way for future work in this area.
A team of researchers at TUM developed a new early warning system for self-driving cars using artificial intelligence to learn from thousands of real traffic situations. The system can predict potentially critical situations with over 85% accuracy, up to seven seconds in advance.
A national survey of parents found that only half of children under 8 years old used recommended child car seats or booster seats in ride-share vehicles. Parents reported lower rates of child car seat use in ride-share compared to their usual travel method, highlighting the need for education and enforcement
The university will focus on breakthroughs in automated driving, robotics, and machine-assisted cognition with a total of $2.2M in funding over three years. Researchers will develop a standardized testbed and protocol for testing autonomous vehicles and create robots to assist older adults age in place.
A University of Maryland study reveals that consumers tend to buy less fuel-efficient cars for their second vehicle after purchasing an eco-friendly vehicle, reducing the benefits of driving a fuel-efficient car. The study's findings have implications for carbon emissions and the design of programs like Cash-for-Clunkers.
A study published in Academic Pediatrics found that parents who reported more child car seat hassles were less likely to follow American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations on child passenger safety. Parents who identified more hassles were more likely to have their children travel unrestrained or not use a car seat consistently.
A new study proposes a modeling framework for V2V and V2I cooperative driving, which prioritizes saving fuel and reducing emissions. The automated algorithm saves energy by 7% under light traffic and 23% under heavy traffic along the corridor.
Research from UCL found a surprising synchronicity between car accidents and violent crimes in Mexico City, revealing 'heartbeats' of the city that peak in the evening. Improving road safety could improve crime prevention and give more resources to police tackling crime.
Researchers analyzed over 90,000 Alexa Skills and found significant security gaps, including the ability to publish skills under false identities and circumvent Amazon's security checks. Many Skills lack proper privacy policies, putting users' sensitive information at risk.
The study's model analyzes country-sector linkages in the European Union, identifying EU trade partners as the most important linkages for sector growth. Domestic ties are also crucial, but less important than trade agreements.
Researchers found that young novice drivers who speak into hand-held smartphones while driving are also likely to drive while under the influence of drink or drugs. The study also found a strong correlation between talking on a hand-held phone and speeding, overtaking, and other high-risk behaviors.
A study by University of Helsinki found that people consider humanoid robots' moral decisions less ethically sound than those made by humans or traditional robots. The uncanny valley effect is believed to contribute to this phenomenon, where humans perceive human-like artificial intelligence as eerie or creepy.