Kennesaw State University is researching Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) technology as a way to reduce collisions on U.S. roadways, according to a press release. 

Billy Kihei, assistant professor of computer engineering in the Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology is leading the research through a National Science Foundation (NSF) sponsored initiative, the release says. 

C-V2X allows vehicles to communicate directly with each other, potentially reducing up to 80% of crashes involving non-impaired drivers, it says. 

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently released a plan to accelerate the use of vehicles that are able to connect to everything around them, such as other vehicles, pedestrians, and infrastructure. 

Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology is one tool that could reduce deaths and serious injury on the nation’s roadways, the plan says. 

A short-term goal in the plan calls for having V2X deployed on 20% of the National Highway System within the next four years. This would increase to 50% between 2029 and 2031 and 100% between 2032 and 2036. 

The Kennesaw State University release says many vehicles are yet equipped with the technology needed to communicate yet.’

Kihei’s team is exploring using C-V2X to detect vehicles not equipped with the technology, the release said. This uses a process known as integrated sensing and communications (ISAC). 

“The concept is to use the signal from C-V2X to passively sense the environment around the vehicle,” Kihei said in the release. “This enables the vehicle to detect potential collisions even if it is the only one transmitting.”

The research will involve several stages, the release says. First it will analyze models to understand how C-V2X signals can be utilized for passive sensing. It will create and improve simulations that can use signals to detect obstacles and other vehicles. 

A second phase advances to practical implementation, according to the release. It will include building experiments and simulations with real-world data. 

“We are initially focused on preventing rear-end collisions,” Kihei said in the release. “Our iterative approach ensures that the technology is refined and optimized to meet diverse needs and perform effectively in various other driving situations.”

Kihei said the work seeks to overcome integration challenges and advance the field of joint wireless communication and sensing technologies. 

“This research addresses current challenges and sets the stage for the future of automotive safety and technology,” Kihei said. “By integrating new systems with existing infrastructure, we are paving the way for advancements that will enhance road safety and technology efficiency in the years ahead.”

A KSU graduate student, Travis Stanca, said he is excited about being apart of the research. 

“Being part of this project has been an amazing experience,” Stanca said in the release. “This work will significantly enhance vehicle safety by providing crucial information for obstacle detection and future vehicle autonomy.”

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Feature photo of assistant professor Billy Kihei/Kennesaw State University