Articles tagged with Automobiles
Researchers at MIT have developed an algorithm that uses a network-based approach to optimize taxi fleets in cities. The solution, dubbed the 'minimum fleet problem,' reduces the number of vehicles needed by 30% while maintaining service levels.
A new lane-change algorithm developed by MIT allows autonomous vehicles to model an entire range of driving styles, from conservative to aggressive, with safety guarantees. The system computes buffer zones on the fly and ensures collision avoidance within a given time frame.
A new £4.8 million engineering research programme, ACHILLES, will examine how to maintain and monitor linear infrastructure assets to improve resilience. The project involves experts from seven universities and aims to develop deterioration models and sensors for better maintenance and safety.
Novices organize mental models based on natural language connections, while journeymen rely on procedural connections. Expert mental models display abstract connections and subnetworks as they gain expertise. This study has potential applications for training programs and game design.
Researchers at MIT CSAIL have developed a new framework called MapLite that allows self-driving cars to navigate on unpaved country roads without detailed maps. The system combines GPS data with sensors to detect road conditions and drive autonomously, with promising results in testing.
HRL Laboratories joins DARPA's Assured Autonomy program with the Expressive Assurance Case Toolkit (ExACT) to ensure autonomous vehicle systems perform as programmed without unsafe behavior. The tool kit mathematically verifies algorithms lead to safe and reliable system behavior, considering physics and dynamics of the system.
A study published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience found that people are willing to sacrifice themselves for others, consider victim age, and swerve onto sidewalks to minimize lives lost, contradicting ethically acceptable behavior and political guidelines. Researchers aim to initiate discussions on how self-driving vehicles sho...
A smartphone app designed to promote proper child car seat use has been shown to improve safety practices among parents. The app, Safety in Seconds v2.0, was tested in a randomized controlled trial involving over 700 participants and reported significant improvements in several child car seat behaviors.
Researchers developed a new method to train computers to better recognize objects in the real world by using virtual reality. A virtual dataset called ParallelEye was created, allowing for diverse and realistic images of various scenes, which significantly improved performance on object detection tasks.
Research highlights the dominance of car travel in school commutes, which contributes to childhood obesity, air pollution, and decreased independent mobility. Governments are advised to invest in active travel infrastructure, such as cycling and walking routes, to promote healthy lifestyles and sustainable transport.
The new approach enhances audio-analysis machines to process noisy environments by combining scalograms and spectrograms with convolutional neural networks. This improves sound classification, enabling better identification of isolated sounds like gunshots and music or speech in complex scenes.
The Christian Doppler lab will develop methods and techniques for quality assurance in autonomous systems, including autonomous vehicles and Smart Production. The goal is to ensure software quality and guarantee safety.
Researchers have developed chemical models from car engines to study the atmospheres of hot exoplanets. The results show deviations in these atmospheres due to extreme temperatures and pressures.
Researchers at U of T Engineering found that optimizing for autonomous vehicles can increase parking lot capacity by 62%. A well-designed AV parking lot can accommodate more cars than a conventional one, with square-shaped lots capable of increasing capacity up to 87%.
A study by Penn State found that most people overestimated the time it takes to walk or bike to work, with faculty and staff being the worst offenders. The researchers believe that education and encouragement can help increase self-confidence and improve travel times.
Researchers are developing a miniature collision detection sensor system that could drastically improve the safety of autonomous vehicles. The ULTRACEPT project combines near-range collision detection, long-range hazard perception, and thermal-based collision detection tools to overcome current limitations.
The Stanford team has developed an efficient algorithm to process final images from non-line-of-sight imaging, overcoming a significant challenge in capturing 3-D structure of hidden objects. The system can produce images of out-of-view objects in under a second and is computationally efficient enough to run on regular laptops.
WPI researchers Raghvendra Cowlagi and Alexander Wyglinski combine their expertise in autonomy and wireless communications to create a network that enables self-driving cars to share information about traffic flow, road conditions, and accidents. This allows for safer operation on highways and congested city streets.
Somayeh Moazzeni, a UTA doctoral student in public policy and transportation, has been recognized as the 2017 outstanding student of the year by the U.S. Department of Transportation for C-TEDD. She will receive a $1,500 cash prize and contribute to research on access to opportunities, public transit, and decent roads.
Researchers developed DroNet, an algorithm that enables drones to safely navigate through urban environments using a normal camera and powerful artificial intelligence. The drones learned to respect safety rules and adapt to new environments, paving the way for fully autonomous drones in various applications.
Booster seats reduce minor injuries specifically among children aged 8 to 12, while car seats and seat belts appear equally effective at saving lives. However, booster seats may not be the best option for younger children due to concerns over premature graduation to adult seat belts.
A team of researchers from Cranfield University and Chinese institutions developed a framework combining cyber, physical, and social systems to integrate vehicle connectivity and automation attributes. They proposed the use of parallel learning theory to analyze information regarding vehicle, human driver, and driving actions in parallel.
Researchers from MIT's CSAIL team show that keeping an equal distance between cars reduces traffic jams, enabling drivers to reach their destinations almost twice as quickly. The approach, known as bilateral control, could be achieved through software and hardware updates, without requiring extensive infrastructure changes.
The UNIST team 'JALIS' won the first place prize for their advanced driver-assistance system, which monitors traffic and advises drivers on the least-congested routes. The system will become a standard in future connected cars, offering in-car assistance with local traffic updates and engine diagnostics.
Researchers used video cameras to capture footage of cars accelerating through a traffic light, finding that packing tightly doesn't increase passing chances. Drivers should maintain a safe distance from the car in front when stopped at a light to reduce rear-end collision risks.
Research in CMAJ found that motorcycle crashes result in 3 times the injuries and 10 times the severity compared to car accidents. Motorcycle accidents also cause 5 times more deaths and 6 times higher medical costs.
Applying traffic rule exemptions enables rapid response vehicles to reach patients faster, with average response times reduced by 14 minutes. This could be critical for patients who are critically injured or sick, suggesting that the increased risk of road collisions may be justified.
Researchers analyzed survey data on automobile purchases between 2002 and 2012 to compare time spent on internet sources with time spent on offline sources. The study found that those who searched more online tend to spend more time at dealerships, while consumers older than 50 spend less time searching and are less likely to be satisf...
A QUT study found drivers approach level crossings significantly faster and with less caution than at road intersections, posing a significant risk of fatalities. Drivers often fail to assess the situation properly, failing to recognize approaching trains or adapting their behavior for reduced visibility during night-time driving.
A review of over 60 studies found road pricing to be the most effective strategy to reduce emissions and traffic. Low-emission zones also encourage cleaner vehicles and reduce driving, leading to improved air quality.
A UMass Lowell professor is leading a research study on the ethical dilemmas posed by autonomous vehicles. The team aims to develop decision-making algorithms that balance individual rights with societal welfare. They will also investigate cybersecurity and privacy concerns related to self-driving cars.
A new study by University of Utah researchers found that drivers using infotainment systems are taking their hands, eyes, and mind off the road for over 24 seconds to complete tasks. The study, led by Professor David L. Strayer, identified programming navigation as the most distracting task.
A study published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology found that individuals with a flexible mindset are less inclined to make assumptions about someone's character based on brand choice. In contrast, those with a fixed mindset tend to believe that behavior is consistent over time and across situations.
A systemic review and meta-analysis of 15 studies involving nearly 47,000 people found that older adults who have fallen are 40% more likely to experience a car crash after their fall. Falls accounted for more than 177,000 additional car crashes each year.
A team of researchers has successfully transformed lignin, a component of plant cell walls, into strong and durable carbon fibers. The new material, made by blending lignin with polyarylonitrile, shows promise for reducing the carbon footprint of the automobile industry.
A new study led by a University of Kansas marketing researcher found that consumers tend to prefer wider product faces, such as watches and cars, in situations where they feel the need to project dominance. In contrast, narrower faces are often associated with feelings of threat or intimidation.
The aCar is an electric off-road capable vehicle designed to strengthen rural structures and drive the economy in Africa. Its modular structure allows for various applications, including water treatment, medical care, and cargo transportation.
University of Delaware researchers have developed a novel method for creating interpenetrating polymeric networks using blue light, offering a more efficient and sustainable approach. This one-step process enables the formation of complex shapes without solvents or additives, resulting in enhanced toughness and reduced brittleness.
Researchers use optical coherence tomography to analyze the size, number, and orientation of metal flakes in industrial car paint, improving efficiency in automotive finishing processes. The technique also shows promise for analyzing pharmaceutical coatings.
A Duke University study reveals that rush hour commutes may be more hazardous to human health than previously thought. The levels of particulate matter and chemicals causing oxidative stress found in car cabins were twice as high as roadside sensors, posing a significant risk to drivers' health.
A new analysis tool reveals energy storage technologies can predict when they become cost-effective, with electric cars leading the way. The study predicts electric cars could rival petrol as early as 2022 and home batteries become competitive by the 2030s.
A new study by MIT economists reveals that eliminating High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) policies in Jakarta, Indonesia, led to a significant increase in urban traffic congestion. The study found that travel delays became 46% worse during the morning rush hour and 87% worse during the evening rush hour after the policy was discontinued.
A study in Jakarta found that ending a carpooling policy increased morning rush-hour travel times by 46%, while evening travel times surged by 87%. The research suggests the policy helped reduce overall cars on the road, but had negative effects on traffic flow.
Researchers matched would-be carpoolers with people driving to work based on social media data and found that compatibility increased satisfaction and reduced car use by 57% in Rome and 40% in San Francisco. This approach could lead to a dent in gridlock, reduce pollution and make commuting more enjoyable.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that car seat laws for older kids have a limited effect on compliance rates. Despite increased fines, the same number of kids remain unrestrained. The study suggests that education and access to safety seats might be more effective in improving road safety.
Researchers at MIT's CSAIL have developed a system of quadcopter drones that can both fly and drive through urban environments with ease. The drones, equipped with wheels on the bottom, can navigate around obstacles in both air and ground modes, making them ideal for transporting objects or rescuing people in disaster zones.
Researchers introduce a new pedestrian-friendly car-horn sound that immediately alerts pedestrians of danger while reducing unpleasantness. The study, led by Myungjin Bae, uses the Mean Option Score (MOS) to evaluate candidate horn sounds, ranking them on a scale from bad to excellent.
Researchers at IST Austria developed an interactive design tool that allows users to easily adjust a mechanical template to fit their desired shape. This tool guarantees functionality while enabling artists to make aesthetic adjustments, making it possible for novice users to create functional models with ease.
A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that drivers who follow another car to a destination are more likely to drive dangerously. They drove faster, made more erratic turns, and followed closer to the car in front. The researchers recommend using a map or navigation device to avoid this behavior.
A recent study from Concordia's John Molson School of Business found that cycling to work significantly lowers stress levels within the first 45 minutes of work. The study collected data from 123 employees at Autodesk and confirmed previous research that cyclists perceive their commute as less stressful than those who travel by car.
Researchers at IUPUI's Transportation Active Safety Institute are working with Toyota to develop roadside-departure systems for autonomous vehicles. The project aims to create and test methodologies for detecting road edges and boundaries, improving driving safety.
Wireless charging technology overcomes distance limitations to enable continuous recharging of electric vehicles. Stanford researchers developed an efficient system that allows for dynamic charging without manual tuning.
The FAU-based project 'E|Connect' aims to improve the performance and reliability of on-board networks in mechatronic systems. Researchers will investigate ways to optimize these networks for higher speeds, larger numbers of nodes, and better power delivery.
Researchers create most detailed and extensive local map of air pollution ever produced for an urban area, mapping air quality on a block-by-block basis. The study reveals air pollution can vary dramatically even within a single city block.
A new study from the University of Miami finds that consumers often misapply mathematical equations to compare ratio values, leading to inaccurate purchasing decisions. The researchers suggest that providing easy-to-use ratio calculators or mobile apps could help consumers make more informed choices.
A new study by Drexel University found that pedestrians on recreational walks were 8% less likely to be in areas with high car collision risks compared to utilitarian walks. Longer walks also reduced the likelihood of straying into dangerous areas.
A recent study by the University of Huddersfield found that a smartphone-based traffic light app can reduce drivers' stress levels, but its reliability is a major concern. The app's countdown feature frequently failed, leading to higher stress and slower response times to green lights.
A Michigan State University study has found that Charlie Kimball's optimized blood sugar levels and physiological monitoring help him capture top-5 finishes at the Indianapolis 500. The research also enabled Kimball to compete equally with other drivers, despite having Type 1 diabetes.
Researchers at Oregon State University developed two new modified toy car designs to encourage children with disabilities to engage in physical and social activities. The sit-to-stand car promotes standing up to activate the switch, while the Throw Baby Throw car uses a pitching machine to facilitate throwing skills.
A team of researchers found computer code in Volkswagen vehicles that allowed them to circumvent emissions tests by activating curbing systems. The code, labeled as an 'acoustic condition,' was used on a wide range of models and emitted up to 40 times the allowed nitrogen oxides.