Learn about the newest Connected/Automated Vehicle Test Bed at the Contra Costa Transportation TRB Reception

January 7, 2015 at 11:08 pm

Re-defining Mobility

Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) – Connected Vehicle/Autonomous Vehicle (CV/AV) Program

Surface transportation, as we know it today will soon be radically changed with the introduction of Connected Vehicles (CV) and Autonomous Vehicles (AV).  Technology is evolving so that the automobile – once the ultimate symbol of freedom and autonomy – is now becoming autonomous itself!

With 5,000 acres of testing area and over 20 miles of paved roadway, the CCTA’s Testbed, located at the Concord Naval Weapons Station in Concord, CA – is currently the largest secure test bed site in the United States.  Discover how this collaborative partnership structure will support development for tomorrow’s multimodal transportation technology.

Join us for refreshments and hors d’oeuvres

As CCTA’s Executive Director, Randy Iwasaki will present an overview of the CCTA’s CV/AV Testbed and provide an opportunity to learn about this comprehensive research and real-world program.

Where: Marriott Marquis, University of DC (M1)

When: Wednesday, January 14, 2015, 6-8 pm

Mark your calendars to attend the CCTA CV/AV Summit, March 31, 2015 @ Concord, CA

Chart of the Day – 180,000 self-driving cars will be shipped globally by 2020

December 23, 2014 at 6:48 pm

There is so much confusion and variation in the estimates/predictions when you hear the industry experts and forecasters talk about automated vehicles. Despite the challenges, there has been significant progress in the recent years and it is only getting more intense as the auto OEMs as well the tech geeks in Silicon Valley ramp up their investments and the research in the race to reach the holy grail.. Amidst all this chaos, comes this bold prediction.. 180,000 self-driving cars will be shipped globally by 2020.

Based on Frost & Sullivan estimates charted for us by BI Intelligence, there will be about 180,000 self-driving cars shipped globally by 2020. The market research firm adds that “you are likely to commute in autonomous cars” by 2025, which is a pretty bold statement considering that’s only a decade from now. 

And of course the source article doesn’t clearly articulate whether it is all Level 4 autonomy (no human input needed for operation)?  Do you agree with this prediction? Click here to read the article

Image Courtesy: Business Insider

 

Call for Papers: ITS America 25th Annual Meeting & Exposition

December 9, 2014 at 6:20 pm

Steps and Instructions: 

  1. Technical Papers

    Papers should address technical subjects as well as the institutional, policy, business and economic aspects of ITS. All papers must be original and report on recent, significant and substantive achievements. All papers must relate to one of the eight main topics provided.

    Papers must be submitted as final, be at least six pages and no longer than 12 pages single spaced. Technical papers will be reviewed by a peer panel that will look for quality, relevance, and significance of the findings.

  2. Guidelines for Paper Submission

    • The deadline for submitting papers is Friday, February 6, 2015. Papers will not be accepted after this date. This deadline will not be extended.
    • Submitted papers must be in final form and follow the formatting instructions outlined here.
    • Papers must be submitted as final, be at least six pages and no longer than 12 pages single spaced.
    • Graphics are encouraged to enhance the presentation of the technical material.
    • Authors may submit up to three papers.
    • Papers may have up to five listed authors. Please note only the presenting author will be listed in the 2015 ITS America Annual Meeting and Exposition Final Program.
    • To help organize the technical sessions, please accurately specify the topic area that best describes the subject of your paper.
    • Upon submission, the primary author will receive a confirmation email.
    • If a paper is accepted, the primary author will be informed by mid-March 2015.
    • If the paper is conditionally accepted, the author must make sufficient changes to the paper, suggested by the reviewer, and resubmit the revised paper through the online portal by April 3, 2015.
    • Papers of a predominantly commercial nature will not be selected for presentation.
    • Presenting Authors must be registered for the 2015 ITS America Annual Meeting and Exposition by April 24, 2015 or their paper will be withdrawn from the program.
    • Please note that English is the official language of ITS America’s Annual Meetings. Papers not submitted in English will be automatically rejected.

    For more detailed information on submissions, see the Call For Papers brochure.

    For complete 25th Annual Meeting Paper Formatting Instructions, see
    Formatting Instructions.

  3. Technical Support

For help in submitting an abstract online, Contact technical support.

TECHNICAL PAPERS

Deadline for New Submissions: Friday, February 6, 2015

Job Alert: President and CEO – ITS America @ Washington, DC

December 3, 2014 at 12:14 pm

ASSOCIATION BACKGROUND

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America) is the nation’s largest organization dedicated to advancing the research, development and deployment of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) to improve the nation’s surface transportation network. ITS America was formed to provide a unified voice with respect to the development and deployment of new technology from the perspective of all potentially affected parties, including industry, government, academia and other association partners. ITS America represents the experience, perspective, and interest of both the public and private sectors.

ITS America’s members include federal, state, local government agencies; national and international companies involved in the development of intelligent transportation systems; universities and independent research organizations; certain national associations, and others. The Society has 27 state and multi-state chapters representing more than 40 states.

The Society’s $5+ million dollar budget is supported primarily through dues, fees derived from meetings, including a triennial World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems, technical contracts with the U.S. Department of Transportation and others.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

ITS America Board of Directors

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The President and CEO provides leadership for ITS America. S/he directly oversees the management of a $5+ million budget and 30 staff in Washington, D.C. S/he serves as an ex officio member of the ITS America Board of Directors and on the ITS World Congress Board of Directors. S/he is responsible for translating the mission of the organization into specific goals and expectations relative to market development, research, education, and government affairs activities. S/he also serves as the lead spokesperson for ITS America before current and prospective members, government leaders, key business partners and stakeholders, media, other associations, and the general public.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

The President and CEO exercise’s responsibility for the overall strategic direction, coordination, and execution of society programs. S/he may delegate portions of these responsibilities consistent with sound management principles and authorized policies and procedures, together with proportionate authority for their fulfillment; but may not delegate or relinquish accountability for the results. The specific responsibilities of the president are:

  • Serves as the liaison between the Board and ITS America staff.
  • Participate in policy formulation actions undertaken by the Board of Directors; Identifies strategic gaps and provides input; interprets major policies and objectives for officers and key executives; recommends courses of action; and establishes operating policies and standards within the general framework established by the Board.
  • Ensure that the ITS America Board of Directors and the Executive Committee are kept timely informed about the operations of ITS America.
  • Directs the enforcement of the Association Bylaws and the execution of all resolutions of the membership, the Board, and the Executive Committee.
  • Directs the development of the strategic plan, budgets, programs, and campaigns required to achieve the objectives of the Society.
  • Presents recommended annual operating work programs for approval by the Board of Directors.
  • Administers the financial affairs of the Society within applicable Board policies, budgets, and accounting controls to ensure the overall fiscal health of ITS America.
  • Builds effective relationships with individuals and organizations with shared interests. Identifies and engages partners, building alliances that advance ITS America’s mission and efforts to promote, conduct research, and provide educational opportunities.
  • Serves as a spokesperson for ITS America and the industry before a wide variety of government leaders, the media and related organizations.
  • Develop, recruit and retain a high quality staff.
  • Work to optimize the effectiveness of the relationship with the U.S. Department of Transportation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of Energy and other appropriate agencies.
  • Provide a forum and environment for the public and private sectors to meet to examine, discuss and resolve complex ITS issues.
  • Work closely with the ITS America Leadership Circle as well as any other forums organized at the Society to benefit the organization and its members.
  • Provide leadership for ITS America’s participation in international programs and activities.
  • Provide and active membership development and retention program.

EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS

The president maintains constant contact with the volunteer leadership of ITS America and:

  • Maintain contact with appropriate regulatory and legislative bodies, associations, public service representatives and organizations to achieve ITS America’s objectives and to enhance the image of the Society.
  • Where appropriate and feasible, seek to jointly develop policies, advice, recommendations and programs on ITS matters in cooperation with interested and affected organizations such as the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the America Public Transportation Association (APTA), the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA), the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), SAE International, the Transportation Research Board (TRB), the Association of Global Automakers, and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.
  • Represent ITS America in activities with its international partners, including ERTICO-ITS Europe and ITS Japan, and other national ITS organizations, to support a successful ITS World Congress and promote international cooperation on standards, research and deployment.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS

The next ITS America President and CEO will be a strategic and innovative leader with a minimum of 10 years’ senior executive-level leadership and management experience with an organization of similar size, scale and complexity either in related sectors, a relevant association or government. The ideal candidate possesses the following experience and attributes:

  • World class leader with a demonstrated track record as a leader in an organization known for innovation; Growth and customer/member service.
  • Senior management experience including strategic planning, financial management, staff leadership, Board relations, market promotion and advocacy.
  • Capable of anticipating and proactively addressing significant industry challenges and opportunities.
  • Proven track record as a principal spokesperson and advocate before all forms of media and at the highest levels of government and business.
  • Must have the intellectual courage to define and defend new ideas in an evolving organization environment and learn about member’s technologies and passionately advocate the Society’s mission internally and externally.
  • A successful track record of establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with an active volunteer Board, external partners and stakeholders.
  • A highly recognizable, marquee executive who will bring high credibility to the organization.
  • A history of successful engagement, partnering and alliance building.
  • Experience attracting, developing, motivating and retaining a high performing, team- oriented staff.
  • Ability to manage staff remotely.
  • Experience leading the development and execution of strategies for identifying new value-added services and products and generating sustainable revenue streams.
  • Experience leading a federation of independent chapters is a plus. Effective at leading through persuasion.
  • Excellent interpersonal and team skills for building and fostering key internal and external relationships.
  • Outstanding communication skills, including speaking and presentation skills; an active listener.
  • Familiarity with sectors and issues related to the transportation and technology industry is a strong plus.
  • Has strong presence and judgment. Equally effective at all levels within and outside the organization. Has unquestionable ethics and integrity.
  • Committed to the association, its mission and members, and all the issues that affects their success.
  • Servant leader; diplomatic; politically savvy.
  • Willingness to undertake a robust domestic and international travel schedule.

LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS

Keeps on Point: Can quickly separate the mission-critical from the nice to dos and the trivial; quickly senses what’s the next most useful thing to work on; focuses on the critical few tasks that really add value and puts aside or delays the rest.

Gets Work Done Through Others: Manages people well; gets the most and best out of the people he/she has; sets and communicates guiding goals; measures accomplishments, holds people accountable, and gives useful feedback; delegates and develops; keeps people informed; provides coaching for today and for the future.

Organizationally Savvy: Maneuvers well to get things done; maze bright; knows where to go to get what he/she needs; politically aware and agile; knows the right thing to do; presents views and arguments well.

Communicates Effectively: Writes and presents effectively; adjusts to fit the audience and the message; strongly gets a message across.

Manages Up: is ambitious and is comfortable marketing himself/herself to higher management; knows how to relate effectively with top management.

Relating Skills: warm, friendly, and interpersonally agile; easy to approach and talk to; relates well to all kinds of people; makes a pleasant first impression and builds solid relationships.

Manages Diverse Relationships: Relates well to a wide variety of diverse styles, types, and classes; open to differences; effective up, down, sideways, inside, and outside; builds diverse networks; quick to find common ground; treats differences fairly and equitably; values diversity and treats all people with respect and dignity.

Education: An undergraduate degree is required. An advanced degree is highly desirable.

Compensation: A competitive compensation package will be provided to attract outstanding candidates.

Search by ITS America: Please submit your letter of interest and resume to Human Resources at CEOsearch@itsa.org. pinterest-1f3bb

Infograph: How self-driving cars will change our lives

November 5, 2014 at 6:50 pm

Image courtesy: Automoblog

Add this to one of the million other articles you would see around the web that hypes the arrival of self-driving cars and how they are going to change our lives..

Click here to read the accompanying article.

 

USDOT wants your input on the Proposed FHWA 2015 Guidance for Connected Vehicles and the Formation of a V2I Deployment Coalition

October 31, 2014 at 5:13 pm

The Federal Highway Administration plans to produce deployment guidance in 2015 on connected vehicles to transportation infrastructure owner/operators.  Tell us what would best support decision making and deployments at the state and local level.

National Associations including AASHTO, ITE and ITS America are working together to form a Vehicle to Infrastructure(V2I) Coalition.  What type of organization will best meet your needs?

Please provide comments based on the materials distributed on these topics at the September 12, 2014 public meeting including the initial draft guidance, a handout on the proposed coalition, and the list of supporting V2I products/tools under development. The V2I Deployment Guidance Draft is an initial draft document. USDOT is seeking feedback from State and local Departments of Transportation, transit operators, other operating agencies, and infrastructure owners who are starting to plan for the deployment and use of connected vehicle technologies in their area. Any interested parties may provide comments on the initial draft guidance through Friday, November 14, 2014.

Questions to Consider on the Proposed CV Guidance

  • Will the topics covered in the proposed guidance and the companion products being developed provide you with enough support to successfully deploy connected vehicle technologies in your area?
  • Are there additional tools, training, or resources that you would like to see developed?
  • Any other concerns/comments?

Questions to Consider on the V2I Deployment Coalition

  • What are your thoughts about the structure of the proposed coalition?
  • How should associated organizations’ and agencies’ leadership be involved?
  • What challenges are likely to arise and need to be addressed?
  • Any other concerns/comments?

Review source materials and provide comments at: http://www.its.dot.gov/meetings/v2i_feedback.htm by Friday, November 14, 2014.

Fellowship Alert: University Academic Fellow in Vehicle and Road Automation – University of Leeds, UK

October 6, 2014 at 12:24 pm

For informal inquiries about the role please contact Dr Natasha Merat, tel: +44 (0)113 343 6614, email: N.Merat@its.leeds.ac.uk.   

Location:  Leeds – Main Campus
Faculty/Service:  Faculty of Environment
School/Institute:  Institute for Transport Studies
Category:  Academic
Grade:  Grade 8
Salary:  £38,511 to £45,954
Closing Date:  Sunday 16 November 2014
Reference:  ENVTR1005

In a bid to increase road safety, and reduce transport related emissions and congestion, vehicle manufacturers are increasing the degree of automation in cars by adding more systems that provide information and support to the driver. These systems are gradually reducing the driver’s involvement in actual operation of the vehicle, and increasing their potential to engage in other tasks such as reading emails, texting etc. As automation penetration increases, it is not currently clear how humans (in and out of the car) will interact with these systems and what the real consequences of vehicle and road automation are. With its world leading motion-based Driving Simulator, the Institute for Transport Studies has been at the forefront of understanding the human factors challenges these systems pose and proposing innovative new solutions. Members of the Safety and Technology group are currently partners in a number of leading projects in this area, including VRA, AdaptIVe and CityMobil2. Whilst fully automated vehicles remain a way off, initiatives such as the Google driverless car have stimulated a new set of research needs relating to the redesign of traffic systems, legal frameworks, business models and environmental performance.

This fellowship opportunity is in a vibrant research market and you will be expected to develop a research profile that will contribute to the University’s ambition to excel at the UK’s next Research Excellence Framework (REF2020), with a sustained record of internationally excellent (and some world-leading) publications and a strong record of presentations at international conferences.  In partnership with colleagues at ITS, you will be encouraged to build research proposals in this field, exploring avenues beyond the human factors of automated vehicles.

You will be able to apply knowledge from Engineering, Computer Science or other relevant disciplines to understand developments in sensor, radar and control technologies and how humans will interact with the next generation of automated vehicles. A key role of the post will be to strengthen the link between the engineering and human factors aspects of this work. You will have (potential) links with industrial organisations relevant to this field and be encouraged to maximise funding opportunities, for example, from Horizon 2020, the TSB and stakeholder organisations. You will also play a key part in bringing together interests in automation research across the University of Leeds, working closely with colleagues from Psychology, the School of Computing and the Faculty of Engineering, with an aim to build critical mass for contribution to a cross disciplinary PhD training programme in automation.  You will also contribute to current and future Masters teaching at ITS and to the recruitment and supervision of doctoral students in the area.

With a PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Electronic or Mechanical Engineering or related discipline, and an interest in the human element of systems and automation, you will have a strong research record relevant to vehicle and road automation, the ability to teach at Postgraduate level, as well as a clear and compelling vision for personal academic development.

Click here to apply

Infograph: Amazing Ways the Self-Driving Technology will Change the World

August 12, 2014 at 5:05 pm

via Visual.ly

Infographs are always a nice way to tell a story visually and this one below gets adopts that visual story telling to explain the complex societal impacts that are in the offing as the auto & tech heavy-weights like Google are vying to bring their self-driving technology to the mass market.. Imagine a world with no crashes, no traffic lights and no parking?  Mind boggling stuff for today’s drivers but that future doesn’t seem too distant anymore.. Though I think  Level 4 automation (i.e.,  completely autonomous) is at least a decade away, anyone would get excited about the prospect of not waiting for a light to turn green (or for that matter to not drivearound in circles looking for parking)…

The Amazing Ways The Google Car Will Change the World

The Amazing Ways The Google Car Will Change the World

Horse before the carriage? Auto Makers Seek Approval for Driverless Cars in States as Regulators, Insurers Weigh Liability (video)

August 7, 2014 at 5:01 pm

via WSJ

Today’s Wall Street Journal has an interesting piece that covers the various efforts underway in the world of autonomous vehicles (aka driverless cars i lay people speak) and how manufacturers are working with legislators to introduce their products to the tech-hungry driving public at least in a few states across the  country.. here is a video that accompanies that article.

What caught me by surprise is the sheer volume of activity and how certain people are that they will see autonomous vehicles on the roads in just a few short years.. As much as I would like to believe, full automation (Level 4) is still a decade away and we still have a lot of hurdles on the technology, policy and infrastructure side.  As one of the interviewed researchers points out, there are many concerns that dog this challenge incl. the high cost of laser vision, the risk that radar and camera sensors won’t see properly in bad weather, and complex legal issues raised by giving control to a robot. Let’s hope we overcome these hurdles soon because we, as a society, are paying a heavy price in terms of human lives and hard earned treasure as we continue to drive with manual control (~33K people killed on American roads during 2012).

Click here to read the entire article.

Britain steers towards a “driverless” future – UK to allow driverless cars on public roads in January 2015

July 30, 2014 at 5:30 pm

via BBC

Today the British government has announced that testing of automated cars will be allowed on public roads from January next year. The tests are then intended to run for between 18 to 36 months. What more innovative is the approach they have taken to doing this.  The government has invited cities to compete to host one of three trials, which would start at the same time.  Cities interested in hosting the trials have until early October to declare their interest and the Department for Transport has created a £10m fund to cover their costs (BBC says the sum to be divided between the three winners but not sure what the criteria would be for this split). Quite novel! Good to see the British government pushing the envelope on its road safety agenda using the driverless cars. Hope this nudges other EU countries (and the rest of the world) to get their act together and pave way for the automated vehicles.