NEXUS NEWS
3 Unmatched Components of the Connected and Automated Vehicles Course
August 6, 2024
by Cj Pettus
Vehicle technology is constantly evolving. In order to stay on top of the latest trends, it’s imperative for professionals in the automotive field to continue actively learning. The four-day Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) course from Michigan Engineering offers engineers, managers, and thought leaders the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and refine their skills.
From the global epicenter of connected vehicle research and development, leading researchers and industry experts share their insights and knowledge in this course. One of the four instructors, Dr. Jim Sayer, is the Director of the U-M Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI). He shares three ways that the CAV course stands out.
1. Experts for Every Topic
The Connected and Automated Vehicles course is taught by four instructors: Henry Liu, Phd, Director of Mcity and USDOT Midwest Center for Connected and Automated Transportation; Jim Sayer, PhD, Director of UMTRI; Andre Weimerskirch, PhD, VP of Cybersecurity at Lear Corporation; and Ram Vasudevan, PhD, Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering and Robotics. Their expertise is split into four unique areas:
- Connected vehicle technology
- Connected infrastructure technology
- Automated vehicles
- Cybersecurity of both connected and automated vehicles
“I think what sets this short course apart is that we really focus on these four specific areas and the instructors are separate for each of them. We use four different instructors because each of these individuals is actively engaged in research and development of the specific technologies that they cover.”-Jim Sayer, PhD
2. Insights About Evolving Technology
The course covers current technology as well as future-technology, including:
- Radio technologies
- Sensing and communication technologies in automated vehicles
- Sensing technologies in the infrastructure
- Different approaches to cybersecurity
“One of the most important things is that this area of connected and automated vehicles is not static. The different technologies that are being used are continually changing. They’re being upgraded. You need to continue to stay kind of active and understand what changes are happening and what are the implications of those changes.”-Jim Sayer, PhD
3. Unparalleled Testing Environment
Not only is the course located in a city that prioritizes vehicle testing, it offers learners the chance to explore Mcity. Mcity is a world-class test facility with mixed-reality testing capabilities, a data engine, and renowned talent.
“Ann Arbor really has been leading the way for more than a decade in connected vehicle technology. We have a large testbed, essentially the entire community, where we deploy connected vehicle technology. There’s also been a lot of automated vehicle research here at the university and taking place in industry around Ann Arbor. But probably the biggest selling item for being here in person is the actual Mcity tour. It’s a one of a kind facility and you get a unique opportunity to see it in action. It’s not just an opportunity to see automated vehicles in action, but also the implementation of connected vehicle technology in our simulated environment.”-Jim Sayer, PhD
This course, which runs in the fall each year, is a unique opportunity for anyone who’s ready to increase their vehicle technology knowledge. With expert instructors, information about the latest technology, and access to a one-of-a-kind testing facility, this course is incomparable.