TASI: Pioneering Safety Research for Central Indiana and Beyond
As Purdue University’s Transportation and Autonomous Systems Institute (TASI) approaches its 20-year anniversary, it stands as a beacon of innovation and collaboration in the realm of transportation safety. Located in Indianapolis, TASI has dedicated nearly two decades to enhancing safety for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users, including e-scooter riders. Through its extensive partnerships with academia, industry, and government, TASI is making significant strides in connected and autonomous vehicle research, driving impactful discoveries that resonate far beyond Indiana.
A Collaborative Approach to Safety Research
At the heart of TASI’s mission is a commitment to fostering a collaborative environment where faculty and students from diverse disciplines—including engineering, computer science, medicine, and public policy—can come together to tackle pressing research challenges in automotive and road safety. According to Yaobin Chen, a professor of electrical and computer engineering and the director of TASI, this interdisciplinary approach is crucial for developing real-world solutions that address complex safety issues.
“By working closely with its industry and academic partners, TASI researchers have developed real-world solutions to the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of vehicle automatic emergency braking and collision mitigation systems,” Chen explains. The success of these initiatives is evident in their application to production vehicles, which has led to a significant reduction in crash injuries and, ultimately, saved lives.
Funding and Partnerships: A Testament to Impact
Since its inception, TASI has secured an impressive $20 million in funding for various projects, collaborating with automotive giants such as Toyota, General Motors, Ford, Aptiv, and BMW. Additionally, TASI has partnered with government agencies, including the Federal Highway Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, to further its research objectives.
One of TASI’s most enduring partnerships is with Toyota, which established the Collaborative Safety Research Center (CSRC) in 2011. This initiative aims to advance automotive safety through open collaborations with universities, hospitals, and research institutions. Recently, the CSRC announced new projects focusing on vulnerable road user safety, with Purdue University serving as the academic collaborator. Researchers at Purdue will explore whether machine learning can predict the sudden movements of pedestrians and cyclists, as well as investigate vehicle sensor strategies to enhance crash avoidance technology.
A Legacy of Safety Enhancements
The impact of TASI’s research is profound. Milind Kulkarni, professor and the Michael and Katherine Birck Head of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Purdue, commends the institute’s contributions: “Yaobin and his colleagues at TASI have generated an incredible list of safety enhancement discoveries. Here in Indianapolis, the heart of the Crossroads of America, these Purdue researchers are making a difference for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians throughout the country.”
TASI’s research portfolio encompasses a wide range of projects, including pedestrian and bicyclist detection and behavior analysis, human factors for semi-autonomous driving systems, and mobility and safety needs for underserved populations. The institute has also developed road and road edge data analytics applicable to all 50 U.S. states. The outcomes of this research have led to 10 U.S. and foreign patents and the publication of 150 technical papers, reports, and standards.
State-of-the-Art Research Facilities
To support its innovative research, TASI boasts state-of-the-art facilities equipped with cutting-edge technology. Among these is a driving simulator that features a suite of perception and other sensors, allowing researchers to investigate driver behavior and automated driving system performance. Additionally, TASI operates a traffic data analytics laboratory, where computer vision and data analysis algorithms are applied to video data to identify, track, and predict the behavior of cyclists and pedestrians.
Purdue University in Indianapolis: A Commitment to Excellence
Purdue University in Indianapolis represents a significant expansion of the West Lafayette campus, bringing the university’s academic rigor and accessible excellence to central Indiana. As the state’s only top 10 public university, Purdue is dedicated to strengthening its presence in Indiana’s industrial and technological center. The university is focused on creating an innovative, STEM-based collegiate experience that connects future-ready students and faculty to local businesses, thereby accelerating Indiana’s STEM pipeline and tech ecosystem.
In conclusion, TASI’s ongoing research and collaborations are not only enhancing safety for road users in Indiana but are also setting a precedent for transportation safety research globally. As TASI approaches its 20-year milestone, its commitment to innovation and societal impact remains unwavering, promising a safer future for all road users. For more information about Purdue University in Indianapolis and its initiatives, visit Purdue’s official website.