CMU Demos Next-Gen Transportation Tech to Pete Buttigieg
Transportation innovation takes center stage as U.S. Secretary Pete Buttigieg makes his final visit to Carnegie Mellon University’s Mill 19 facility. During this pivotal stop, Buttigieg witnessed groundbreaking developments in autonomous vehicle technology and transportation safety research that could revolutionize how we travel.
Advancing transportation safety through innovation
According to CMU News, Secretary Buttigieg’s visit highlighted the university’s Safety21 program, a Department of Transportation-funded initiative focused on developing safer transportation systems. “It’s probably the least publicized thing that the U.S. DOT does, but one of the most important,” Buttigieg noted, emphasizing the life-saving potential of autonomous technologies.
The visit featured demonstrations of cutting-edge research projects, including autonomous racing systems and advanced vehicle inspection methods. CMU’s Vice President for Research Theresa Mayer welcomed the Secretary, highlighting the university’s commitment to “shaping a future that’s smarter, safer and more connected.”
Breakthrough research for vulnerable road users
A significant focus of the presentations centered on protecting vulnerable road users. Associate Professor Ding Zhao demonstrated innovative research aimed at improving autonomous vehicle safety for wheelchair users, people with strollers, and vision-impaired individuals. This work has gained particular relevance following a 2021 incident where a self-driving car failed to recognize a Paralympic athlete.
The research team is now collaborating with other prestigious institutions to develop safety protocols for autonomous vehicles at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, marking a significant step forward in transportation safety.
Work zone safety and fleet management innovations
Researchers Raj Rajkumar, Nishad Sahu, and Gregory Su presented their work on autonomous driving systems in construction zones, utilizing advanced mapping and vehicle connectivity. Additionally, Ph.D. candidate Ava Jahan Biglari demonstrated new approaches to vehicle fleet management, combining technological innovation with human expertise to enhance road safety.
Secretary Buttigieg expressed optimism about the potential impact of these developments, stating, “We have a chance to improve on that and save lives. We’ve got to make sure it unfolds in a smart and safe way, and some of the best research on how to do that is happening right here.”
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