Published on 12/01/2024
The Link Lab at the University of Virginia was alive with energy on November 6, 2024, as it hosted the Industry-Graduate Student Demo Reception. The event, part of the larger UVA Link Lab Research Day, offered attendees an up-close look at groundbreaking research in cyber-physical systems (CPS). With a focus on solving real-world problems, graduate students presented their work to a captivated audience of industry leaders, government representatives, and academic peers.
The evening highlighted the intersection of cutting-edge technology and practical application, as the Link Lab reaffirmed its status as a world-class hub for CPS research. Attendees explored projects spanning autonomous systems, smart cities, robotics, and health technologies.
The Fastest Bots Alive
Two projects on autonomous car racing provided a glimpse into the precision and innovation required to master this burgeoning field. The Cavalier Autonomous Racing Team unveiled its high-fidelity hardware-in-the-loop simulation environment. This sophisticated setup allows researchers to perfect the software used in autonomous racecars by simulating real-world conditions. By running the same code and systems deployed in actual vehicles, the team eliminates potential flaws before their cars hit the track.
Meanwhile, the AI Autonomous Racing Simulator invited attendees to test their driving skills against a cutting-edge AI system. Designed to operate at Formula One-level performance, the AI seamlessly navigates virtual tracks, showcasing the potential of artificial intelligence to redefine competitive racing. The interactive nature of this demo underscored the complexity and excitement of merging AI with high-speed motorsport.
“For instance we use these simulators to test high-speed autonomous overtaking scenarios. Where an algorithm can plan overtaking maneuvers that will overtake the opponents and are guaranteed to not crash, not spin out, not hit the wall, not go out of the track boundaries fully on its own,” says Trent Weiss, a CS Ph.D. student working on the Cavalier Team. “Where autonomous vehicles tend to fail are circumstances that are unexpected or unusual. And that’s what racing is 100% of the time. It’s nothing but corner cases the whole race. Our philosophy is that if we can teach autonomous systems to push to their absolute limits and survive in an environment like an F1 race, then going to the grocery store shouldn’t be that bad.”
Sensors for Smarter Cities
In the realm of urban infrastructure, the Smart Cities Sensors demo presented a robust system of roadside monitors designed to assess pavement conditions and environmental factors. These sensors, capable of capturing data on vibration, subsurface temperatures, and soil moisture, are part of a broader effort to optimize city planning and maintenance. Attendees had the opportunity to interact with the sensors and see how the data they collect informs smarter decisions for urban living.
Empowering Health Through Wearables
The Wearable Exoskeleton project introduced a flexible upper-body assistive device aimed at individuals with neuromuscular challenges. Built with soft robotics and conductive textiles, this innovative exoskeleton supports daily activities like lifting and carrying. By combining biomechanics with human-centric design, the project represents a leap forward in improving the quality of life for those with limited motor function.
“The exoskeleton is loaded with pneumatic artificial muscles. They essentially work like a chinese finger trap. When the balloon inside of them expands, the muscle contracts, which generates actuation – that aiding physical force which generates an upwards and downwards motion we need. The aim is to give support and independence to people facing physical impairment with the help of technology,” says Nazirah Farach Rojo, a Ph.D. student in Mechanical Engineering at UVA, part of the team behind the Wearable Exoskeleton.
Harnessing IoT
IoT applications took center stage with the Living Link Lab Testbed, a demonstration of how interconnected devices generate and process data. The project highlighted the potential of edge computing—processing data locally on IoT devices rather than relying on centralized servers. This approach enables real-time insights and decision-making, showcasing the power of distributed systems to transform industries ranging from healthcare to transportation.
Advanced Robotics on Display
The Spot Robot from Boston Dynamics, a four-legged robot capable of navigating challenging terrain, showcased the cutting edge of robotics. Designed to operate autonomously in environments traditionally difficult for machines, Spot is equipped to climb stairs, maneuver through debris, and perform critical tasks in cluttered spaces. The demo emphasized its potential applications in disaster response and industrial inspections.
The NAO Humanoid Robot project offered a more personal perspective on robotics, demonstrating how emotion recognition technology enables meaningful human-robot interactions. Through a blend of gestures, sound effects, and verbal communication, NAO adapts to users in real-time, providing a glimpse into the future of social robotics.
Virtual Reality Aids Infrastructure Challenges
The ORCL Bicycle Simulator transported participants into a virtual reality environment that mimics real-world road conditions. This project, developed by the Omni-Reality and Cognition Lab, uses immersive technology to study human behavior and decision-making in traffic scenarios. By analyzing user reactions in a controlled setting, researchers aim to inform the design of safer and more efficient urban transportation systems.
“The simulator has the capability to create any type of traffic scenario in real time and test its safety based on external sensors. The next step for us is to hire participants and implement more sensors, like a heart rate monitor and eye tracker, to help measure and distinguish perceptual biases between a couple of infrastructure and traffic designs, ultimately helping urban planners and designers justify and prove the necessity for higher safety standards for bike lanes,” says Arman Hosseini, a Ph.D. student in System Engineering at UVA, part of the team behind the ORCL Bicycle Simulator.
The Industry-Graduate Student Demo Reception was more than a showcase of technical achievements—it was a celebration of collaboration and innovation. Attendees left with a deeper understanding of how UVA’s Link Lab bridges disciplines to address critical challenges at the intersection of the cyber and physical worlds.
The projects on display not only demonstrated the potential of CPS but also underscored the Link Lab’s commitment to translating research into real-world solutions. As these technologies evolve, the Link Lab remains at the forefront, shaping the future of autonomous systems, smart cities, and beyond.
