In a significant move to accelerate advancements in connected and automated vehicle (CAV) technology, Mitre and Mcity have formed a partnership aimed at deploying safe, efficient, and effective mobility solutions. Their collaboration is designed to bridge the gap between innovative research and real-world applications, with a particular focus on the safety and development of connected and automated vehicles.
Enhancing Mobility and Safety
The partnership seeks to leverage Mcity’s cutting-edge research capabilities alongside Mitre’s expertise in systems engineering and safety assurance. Together, the two entities will prioritize the development and use of advanced digital engineering techniques and simulation tools for CAV technology. These tools will be implemented in real-world environments, including Mitre’s digital proving ground, utilizing Nvidia’s Omniverse Cloud Sensor RTX APIs.
The Nvidia sensor technology will play a critical role in this initiative, offering a highly accurate sensor simulation environment. This will enable the generation of precisely labeled data from various sensor types, including cameras, radar, lidar, and ultrasonic sensors. Such a high-fidelity environment is essential for the rigorous testing and validation of autonomous vehicle (AV) systems, accelerating the training and testing processes needed for these vehicles to operate safely on public roads.
Advancing the USDOT’s VOICES Capability
An important component of the partnership is the enhancement of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Virtual Open Innovation Collaborative Environment for Safety, also known as VOICES. Operated by Mitre, the VOICES platform will gain new simulation elements and an influx of researchers. By integrating advanced simulation technology and expertise from Mcity, the platform can provide more comprehensive safety assurances for AV technology. This, in turn, aligns with the broader goal of advancing the safety and dependability of CAVs within the transportation system.
Building the Future of AV Simulation
In conjunction with Nvidia, Mitre and Mcity are working on a project that will create a fully simulated, digitally correlated version of Mcity’s testing environment. This digital model will be accessible to both industry professionals and academic researchers, serving as a sandbox for AV testing and validation. This collaboration aims to produce a realistic, thorough environment for rigorous testing, ultimately expediting the pace of AV development and adoption in real-world scenarios.
The announcement of this partnership took place at the Nvidia AI Summit in Washington, D.C., where industry leaders gathered to discuss the future of AI and its applications. By working together, Mitre, Mcity, and Nvidia are hoping to revolutionize the transportation sector, making it safer and more efficient for the public.
Statements from Key Leaders
Joseph Kolly, director of the Integrated Systems Innovation Center at Mitre, emphasized the importance of collaboration in the development of next-generation transportation solutions. He remarked, “Working closely with key partners and innovators is essential to ensure that future transportation systems and autonomous vehicles meet the needs of the public effectively.
Henry Liu, director of Mcity, echoed this sentiment, highlighting Mitre’s unique role as Mcity’s first non-profit partner. As the first non-profit to partner with Mcity, Mitre contributes invaluable expertise and resources to our goal of revolutionizing mobility for the greater good,” said Liu.
Aiming for a Safer, More Efficient Transportation System
As this partnership unfolds, it marks a pivotal step toward a future where AVs are safely integrated into daily life. With the combined efforts of Mitre, Mcity, and Nvidia, the partnership holds the potential to transform not only the development process for AVs but also the fundamental ways in which transportation systems operate. By focusing on safety, efficiency, and public benefit, these organizations are setting the stage for a new era in connected and automated vehicle technology.
Through this collaboration, Mitre and Mcity are helping to redefine transportation, ensuring that the vehicles of tomorrow are both innovative and safe. With an eye toward future growth, the partnership stands as a testament to the power of shared vision and expertise in achieving technological breakthroughs that will benefit society as a whole.
