Driving innovation | So Good News

Rutgers University–Camden partnered with Nissan North America, Toyota, General Motors, the Tennessee Department of Transportation and several other universities across the country as part of the CIRCLES consortium, which conducted the world’s largest traffic experiment from November 14-18. Using a fleet of 100 specially equipped Nissan Rogues, Toyota RAV4s and Cadillac XT5s, researchers tested an AI-powered cruise control system designed to improve fuel economy and ease traffic by reducing human-induced traffic congestion.

The experiment, conducted on a sensor-filled stretch of US 24 in Tennessee, aims to replicate the results of an earlier closed-door study in which a single AI-equipped vehicle could manage human-caused traffic congestion and save 40 percent on fuel. savings.

“This is the largest traffic experiment in history with autonomous vehicles on a real highway,” said Benedetto Piccoli, vice chancellor for research at Rutgers-Camden University and the university’s lead researcher on the project. “I’m proud of the Rutgers-Camden team’s role, from the development of the control algorithm to the logistics.”

Rutgers Camden Chancellor Antonio D. Tillis applauded Rutgers-Camden researchers for their collaborative work in the CIRCLES consortium.

“The CIRCLE Consortium’s research on autonomous innovation is emblematic of the real, true impact of Rutgers-Camden,” said Tillis. “Their work will ultimately benefit future generations.”