Grant: CCI Applied Research and Development Grants

New technologies and business models built around autonomous vehicles and connected vehicles (AV/CV) will transform our society in ways unseen since the invention of automobiles itself. It is expected that AV/CV will bring significant benefits to Canadians. The predicted impact will be seen on the automobile industry, health, welfare, urban planning, traffic, insurance, labour market, and many other areas. According to the Conference Board of Canada, the estimated total economic benefit of AV/CVs may be over $65 billion, resulting from fewer collisions, less traffic congestion, lower fuel costs, and better environment. Despite their perceived benefits, AV/CVs present potential challenges as an unchartered territory for all stakeholders. In its ‘Safety Framework for Automated and Connected Vehicles’, Transport Canada (TC) has identified that the ‘Autonomous Safety’ is paramount to successfully designing and deploying AV/CVs. Present day regulations and standards are not adequate for the new paradigm of autonomous vehicles. In this proposed project, Rogers Communications Inc. and Sheridan College’s Centre for Mobile Innovation (CMI), are partnering to investigate the use of machine learning (ML) for optimizing vehicle maintenance in the era when connected vehicles are gradually becoming the primary mode of transportation. We aim to develop a proof-of-concept that integrates several key technologies such as universal in-car communication platforms for autonomous vehicles, 5G cellular network, and ML. Leveraging Rogers’ 5G network, mobile edge cloud, and test beds, this research will investigate and identify previously unknown technological challenges of development and deployment of AV/CVs. CMI has long experience in building software solutions using cutting-edge technologies such as mobile, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning/Deep Learning, wearable computing, and Augmented/Virtual Reality (AR/VR). Rogers, being a leading cellular and infrastructure network provider with extensive market penetration, is strategically positioned to develop and deploy such interconnected, integrated systems. This proposed research will offer substantial Research Assistant (RA) opportunities for Sheridan students from mobile computing and computer science programs. The RAs will enhance their academic and work readiness skills through their involvement in all research activities and their direct interaction with CMI and Rogers’ team.