Connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) have the potential to disrupt mobility, extending what is possible with driving automation and connectivity alone. Applications include real-time control and planning with increased awareness, routing with micro-scale traffic information, coordinated platooning using traffic signals information, and eco-mobility on demand with guaranteed parking.
In the MPC lab, we have designed, implemented, and validated on a unique experimental platform a number of control and planning algorithms for CAVs. A list of projects is presented next.
ARPA-E NEXTCAR project
Predictive Data-Driven Vehicle Dynamics and Powertrain Control: from ECU to the Cloud
ARPA-E NEXTCAR Phase I (2017 - 2020)
We developed a predictive and data-driven control technology for connected and automated plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Our goal was to reduce the total vehicle energy consumption by at least 20% by harnessing the untapped potential of remote computations, forecasts, historical data, level 2 (L2) automation, and coordination with other vehicles and infrastructure.
We used historical and real-time data-feeds to co-optimize powertrain and vehicle dynamics control. We coordinated real-time predictive control on the on-board control unit with cloud-based predictive control. We successfully demonstrated 20% energy improvement in three real-world driving scenarios. A list of key results is presented on the ARPA-E NEXTCAR Phase I subpage (click the button below).
Following the success of the Phase I project, we continue our research efforts on the connected car with the Phase II project. In this project, our goal is to develop predictive and data-driven control and planning algorithms that harness connected vehicle technologies, level 4 (L4) automation, and electrification to deliver up to 30% vehicle energy efficiency improvement. We are currently developing our experimental setup, control and planning algorithms. Please check out the ARPA-E NEXTCAR Project Phase II subpage (click the button below) for our live updates and demos.