What we do

Ein humanoider Roboter mit ausgebreiteten Armen auf einer gepflasterten Fläche.
Robot used in project V2X4Robot
Person auf Heimtrainer mit VR auf Monitor.
Testing Cyber-Physical Systems in a Virtual Environment

The research group Cooperative Autonomous Systems conducts applied research on coordination, cooperation, and communication between autonomous or highly automated vehicles, vulnerable road users, and transportation infrastructure in complex environments. We focus on the design and evaluation of vehicular communication (V2X) protocols, cooperative driving functions such as platooning, and new concepts for road transport coordination within Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS). Our work combines real-world lab experiments with simulation-based methods to investigate future mobility from a transdisciplinary perspective. 

In the project V2X4Robot, we integrate formal specifications, vehicular communications, and human-robot interaction to enable a social robot to support pedestrians when interacting with automated vehicles. 

In the EU project CulturalRoad, we contribute to the fair and culturally sensitive deployment of Cooperative, Connected, and Automated Mobility (CCAM) services. By taking into account cultural and geographical diversity in CCAM planning, we aim to improve societal acceptance and promote a mobility future that is safe, inclusive, and sustainable. 

The project C2CBridge 2 investigates new approaches to connect rural and urban areas using autonomous electric mobility solutions. We analyze the impact of platoon driving on surrounding traffic and passenger experience by combining traffic simulations with user studies. 

In addition to our work on coordination and communication, we also address environmental aspects of mobility. The project TyreRoadNoise focuses on reducing tyre-road-generated emissions (RFGE). To achieve this, we are creating a database of real-world traffic conditions and developing AI-based prediction models that help bridge the gap between physical models and observed noise behavior. 

To support safe and scalable development, we make use of cyber-physical systems. These systems allow us to conduct controlled experiments in environments with reduced risk, complementing our real-world studies.

 

 

 

 

Highlights

Examples of our V2X-enabled e-bike activities in a real-world setting

Video produced by Dr. Maximilian Schrapel

Reportage on our robot-policeman promoting road safety in the school

Footage courtesy of TV JOJ (Noviny.sk)

Report on the testing of the V2X-enabled social robot with collective perception

Video production: Pixelstream BV