LINCOLN, Neb. — A groundbreaking research project at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is set to transform autonomous vehicle technology by integrating them into broader networks, enhancing their intelligence and reliability. Supported by the National Science Foundation, the project is led by Qiang Liu, assistant professor in the School of Computing, in collaboration with Weisong Shi, professor and chair of the Department of Computer and Information Sciences at the University of Delaware.
The initiative introduces the concept of connected autonomous driving, which aims to improve the safety and functionality of autonomous vehicles by linking them to a network of devices and shared information. Liu explained, “We’re trying to address this issue and improve the safety of autonomous driving by connecting the infrastructures. If we can allow the vehicles to communicate and provide a more global view, that will improve the robustness and eventually improve the safety.”
Current autonomous vehicles rely heavily on sensors, hardware, and AI-based software, which limits their upgradability. Liu’s proposal seeks to overcome these limitations by enabling vehicles to access real-time data from nearby vehicles and roadside structures, thereby enhancing their perception, prediction, and planning capabilities…