IEEESMC Distinguished Lecture: Junmin Wang – “Human-Centric Robotics and Machine Intelligence for Transportation”

Abstract: The relentless progress in computing and communication technologies has inaugurated a
transformative era in ground mobility, presenting unprecedented opportunities to address enduring
challenges in ground transportation. This talk explores some recent breakthroughs in the realm of human
centric robotics and machine intelligence, focusing on their pivotal role in revolutionizing ground
transportation. The fusion of vehicle connectivity and automation emerges as a cornerstone, holding the
potential to reshape the transportation paradigm. The advent of smart mobility technologies, particularly
vehicle-to-everything communications, has unlocked an unparalleled wealth of information. This
information, when harnessed strategically, can usher in substantial enhancements in vehicle operational
energy efficiency, roadway safety, and human acceptance. The talk delves into the intricate interplay of
diverse elements, including physical insights into vehicle system characteristics, computational prowess,
communication capabilities, and the nuanced modeling and prediction of human behavior. By seamlessly
integrating these facets with theories of control, estimation, and optimization, a promising avenue opens
for crafting future mobility systems that are not only more efficient and safer but also engender trust
among users. The presentation sheds light on ongoing research endeavors centered on various intelligent
vehicles as a ubiquitous robotic system. These research activities collectively strive towards the
overarching goal of cultivating efficient, safe, and trustworthy human-centric ground transportation.