Despite claims to the contrary, self-driving cars currently have a higher rate of accidents than human-driven cars. On average, there are 9.1 self-driving car accidents per million miles driven, while the same rate is 4.1 crashes per million miles for regular vehicles.2
The National Law Review. (2021 May 05). The dangers of driverless cars. Natlawreview.com.
Securing Networks and Improving Performance
NextG technology is providing new and improved network performance and speed but is also adding new connected experiences for users.
In healthcare, NextG technology will enable patients to be monitored via connected devices that constantly deliver data on key health indicators, such as heart rate and blood pressure. In the auto industry, NextG combined with machine learning will provide information on traffic, accidents, and more; vehicles will be able to share information with other vehicles and entities on roadways, such as traffic lights.
Our researchers are developing new models and systems to make NextG more useful and secure for businesses, government, and industry.
Automotive Cybersecurity
Our researchers are designing automotive applications that will provide safety and timing guarantees while offering methods for assisting with accident investigations. Our scientists intend to show how some known autonomous vehicle accidents could have been predicted and possibly avoided at the early stages of the design-verify-validate-test life cycle using our methodology.
Battery Technology and Renewable Energy
Our research group has demonstrated that cyber threat actors could exploit battery control systems to cause explosions. To protect against this threat, we are developing new battery safety and protection systems to ensure the physical safety of battery systems. Additionally, we are testing system communication security systems to protect wired and wireless electric charging systems from cybersecurity and electromagnetic attacks.
System Integration and Test-Bed Development
Our scientists are developing a digital-twin virtual test-bed that, in conjunction with physical testing, will permit in-lab, in-simulation, and in-field testing. This full range of testing options will lead to improved transportation safety, cybersecurity, and energy efficiency for future transportation and smart mobility systems, and improve training for cybersecurity, transportation, and digital law-enforcement personnel.