The development of autonomous vehicle technology has turned into a fierce and complex competition, as major automakers deal with safety issues regarding their self-driving cars and the transportation industry foresees drastic changes. 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» is seizing the challenge and positioning itself to be a leader in this global race, and so is 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Polytechnic University.
This was the topic of the latest βIn Focus with Allison Walker Torresβ television show, recorded on Thursday, Aug. 9. 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly senior director of special projects, Dr. Rahul Razdan, was one of the invited experts on autonomous vehicles (AV), as well as 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly senior Michael Jernigan. The electrical engineering major from Winter Haven, 91ΒιΆΉΣ³», currently works testing AV sensors at 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Polyβs Advanced Mobility Institute (AMI).
βAV sensors canβt interpret human signals on the streets and thatβs one of challenges today,β said Jernigan. βRight now Iβm working on using roadway signage or some kind of signage that the sensors can recognize on the roads to try to humanize the autonomous vehicle.β
91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly partnered with 91ΒιΆΉΣ³»βs Turnpike Enterprise, which is developing , a state-of-the-art test track in Polk County expected to be completed by spring 2019. Faculty and students will work on testing and improving the technology neededβsensors, wireless networks, data fusion, signal processing and artificial intelligenceβto help autonomous vehicles reach the mainstream.
AMI is another 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly initiative focused on applied research and partnerships designed specifically for the development and testing of autonomous vehicle-related technology.
βThe core technology of autonomous vehicles is a combination of sensors with software that ties it all together,β said Razdan. βNow we have to solve how these machines can emulate human behavior, as well as reacting adequately to the different weather conditions before this technology can be fully implemented.β
Other guests who participated in recording the show were Sen. Jeff Brandes from Pinellas County, Sen. Dennis Baxley from Marion County, Rep. Wengay Newton from 91ΒιΆΉΣ³»βs district 70, Eric Hill from MetroPlan Orlando, and Beth Alden from Hillsborough County MetroPlan.
βIn Focus with Allison Walker Torresβ features a roundtable of thought leaders representing a full range of perspectives, including local officials and expert analysts as they tackle topical issues of importance to Floridians.
The show airs at 11:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Sundays, on Spectrum News 13 throughout Central 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» and Spectrum Bay News 9 throughout Tampa Bay.
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