Browse Topic: Sensors and actuators

Items (8,029)
Modern vehicle technologies such as keyless entry, push-button start, digital switches have made it easier and more convenient to operate cars. However, this ease of operation has also introduced new safety concerns, particularly the increased risk of accidental operations by children. This can lead to unintentional vehicle movement, injuries, and even fatalities. Existing safety features (e.g., unattended child presence alarms) mitigate entrapment risks but do not prevent children from unintentionally starting or shifting while inside. This paper proposes implementation of a solution for child-safety system which inhibits certain functionalities to prevent accidental operations by underage occupants. The proposed system combines multiple existing technologies like weight sensors, seat position detection, facial recognition, in vehicle camera tracking to determine the child presence. With this, certain operations can be temporarily inhibited, or the vehicle can ask for secondary
Mote, VaishalGarg, MuditPasupuleti, Raju
This paper presents the design and implementation of a Semi-Autonomous Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) capable of following a person while performing obstacle avoidance in urban and controlled environments. The LCV leverages its onboard 360-degree view camera, RTK-GNSS, Ultrasonic sensors, and algorithms to independently navigate the environment, avoiding obstacles and maintaining a safe distance from the person it is following. The path planning algorithm described here generates a secondary lateral path originating from the primary driving path to navigate around static obstacles. A Behavior Planner is utilized to decide when to generate the path and avoid obstacles. The primary objective is to ensure safe navigation in environments where static obstacles are prevalent. The LCV's path tracking is achieved using a combination of Pure Pursuit and Proportional-Integral (PI) controllers. The Pure Pursuit controller is utilized as lateral control to follow the generated path, ensuring
Ayyappan, Vimal RajDhanopia, RashmiAli, AshpakN, RageshSato, Hiromitsu
Accidents during lane changes are increasingly becoming a problem due to various human based and environment-based factors. Reckless driving, fatigue, bad weather are just some of these factors. This research introduces an innovative algorithm for estimating crash risk during lane changes, including the Extended Lane Change Risk Index (ELCRI). Unlike existing studies and algorithms that mainly address rear-end collisions, this algorithm incorporates exposure time risk and anticipated crash severity risk using fault tree analysis (FTA). The risks are merged to find the ELCRI and used in real time applications for lane change assist to predict if lane change is safe or not. The algorithm defines zones of interest within the current and target lanes, monitored by sensors attached to the vehicle. These sensors dynamically detect relevant objects based on their trajectories, continuously and dynamically calculating the ELCRI to assess collision risk during lane changes. Additionally
Dharmadhikari, MithilS, MrudulaNair, NikhilMalagi, GangadharPaun, CristinBrown, LowellKorsness, Thomas
A smart highway tunnels lighting system based on the technology of cloud platform and Internet of Things(IoTs) has been designed to address the common problems of high energy consumption and low level of intelligence in China's highway tunnel lighting system. The highway tunnel lighting system consists of four layers of architecture: platform management layer, local management layer, middle layer and terminal layer. The system collects real-time brightness, lamp brightness, traffic volume and other data outside the tunnel through various sensors deployed on site, and then uploads the collected data to the main controller through LoRa IoTs. The main controller combines the brightness calculation method of the lighting design rules to control the brightness of the tunnel lighting in real time, achieving real-time adjustment of the brightness of the tunnel LED lights and the brightness outside the tunnel, and realizing a safe and energy-saving lighting effect of "lights on when the car
Wang, JuntaoLiu, JingyangLiu, YongFeng, Xunwei
Vehicle trajectories encapsulate critical spatial-temporal information essential for traffic state estimation, congestion analysis, and operational parameter optimization. In a Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) environment, connected automated vehicles (CAVs) not only continuously transmit their own real-time trajectory data but also utilize onboard sensors to perceive and estimate the motion states of surrounding regular vehicles (RVs) within a defined communication range. These multi-source data streams, when integrated with fixed infrastructure-based detectors such as speed cameras at intersections, create a robust foundation for reconstructing full-sample vehicle trajectories, thereby addressing data sparsity issues caused by incomplete CAV penetration. Building upon classical car-following (CF) theory, this study introduces a novel trajectory reconstruction framework that fuses CAV-generated trajectories and infrastructure-based speed detection data. The proposed method specifically
Bai, WeiFu, ChengxinYao, Zhihong
The efficient tracking and management of goods within light commercial vehicles (LCVs) is crucial for various industries, particularly craftsmen and parcel delivery services. This article explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and sensor technologies to enhance item tracking and optimize logistical operations in LCVs. Two technological approaches are examined: a Bluetooth-based tracking system and a camera-based parcel identification framework. The Bluetooth-based solution is designed primarily for craftsmen. It employs Bluetooth tags, vehicle connectivity gateways (VCGs), and a centralized server to provide real-time inventory monitoring and prevent tool misplacement. The camera-based system is aimed at parcel carriers. It utilizes AI-driven object detection and pose estimation to localize and identify parcels within the vehicle. Experimental evaluations show that Bluetooth tracking ensures reliability in tool management and the AI-based vision system holds promise
Aslandere, TurgayLens, MathijsKirchhof, Jörg ChristianRobberechts, PieterGrein, MarcelMeert, WannesVandewalle, PatrickDavis, JesseRumpe, BernhardGoedemé, Toon
Technological innovations in military vehicles are essential for enhancing efficiency, safety, and operational capability in complex scenarios. Advances such as navigation system automation and the introduction of autonomous vehicles have transformed military mobility. State estimators enable the precise monitoring of critical variables that are not directly accessible by sensors, providing real-time information to controllers and improving dynamic response under variable conditions. Their integration is crucial for the development of advanced control systems. This study aims to develop and compare parameter and states estimators for military heavy vehicles using three methodologies: particle filter, extended Kalman filter, and moving horizon state estimation. Computational simulations employ Pacejka’s magic formula to model tire behavior, and the vehicle modeling is based on a simplified quarter-car model, with an emphasis on longitudinal dynamics. In the end, the estimators are
Barros, Leandro SilvaSousa, Daniel Henrique BrazRodrigues, Gustavo SimãoLopes, Elias Dias Rossi
The acquisition of sensor data is essential for the operation and validation of the SAE vehicle. This system must be capable of converting analog data into digital form and communicating with the sensors. To this end, printed circuit boards (PCBs) were designed and manufactured, incorporating electromagnetic interference mitigation solutions through various analog filters, in order to ensure the integrity of the acquired signals. Data conversion and communication were implemented using a microprocessor from the STM32 family, with efficient transmission of the processed data carried out via the CAN protocol.
David, Mateus PadilhaAndrade, Fernanda Matsumoto LimaSousa Oliveira, IvanCarvalho, Luis Pedro FeioGuerreiro, Joel FilipeRibeiro, Rodrigo EustaquioSantos Neto, Pedro José
The modern vehicle electrical architecture consists, on average, of 30 integrated electronic modules (ABS, infotainment, instrument panel, etc.), also known as Electronic Control Units (ECUs), and approximately 300 peripherals such as sensors (collision, temperature, oxygen, position, pressure, etc.) and actuators (window motor, mirror motor, relays, airbag inflator, windshield wiper, etc.). This increase in component integration imposes significant challenges to system installation and design. The interconnection of multiple devices renders harness design an arduous and time-consuming task, especially when conducted manually, resulting in error-prone and suboptimal outcomes. Such a scenario highlights the pressing need for studies on harness routing optimization in the automotive industry. Historically, wiring harness design practices have transitioned from manual approaches to the adoption of advanced computational tools. This methodological transition encompasses the use of various
Ribeiro, ThiagoReis, BrenoBarreto, ZeusGaleno, AntônioPereira, MarceloFerreira, Fláavio Fabrício V. M.
In rocketry competitions, such as the International Rocket Engineering Competition (IREC), unguided sounding rockets are the most commonly used, relying solely on aerodynamic stability to make necessary trajectory corrections during flight. However, this approach has limitations since these vehicles lack mechanisms to ensure apogee accuracy. The active control of a sounding rocket involves methods for orienting and stabilizing the vehicle during flight, using inertial sensors, GPS, and aerodynamic surfaces. These systems allow continuous trajectory and stability adjustments by processing real-time data. In this context, this work proposes the development of a PID-based attitude control system, aligned with IREC guidelines, to improve the accuracy of rocket apogee. For the PID controller design, the second method of the Ziegler-Nichols rule was adopted, based on a linearized transfer function, to calculate the control loop gains. Gain Scheduling technique was employed to estimate gains
Oliveira Junior, Wilson Luiz deFazzolari, Heloise AssisPaiva Carvalho, Carlos Alberto de
Driven by technological advances in artificial intelligence, sensors, connectivity and sustainable mobility, autonomous buses are a reality in many contexts where their application is viable and efficient. The potential of the technology is a clear theme and has been widely discussed over the last two decades, due to various factors such as reducing accidents, increasing operating cost efficiency, improving the efficiency of public transport, reducing environmental impact and offering mobility solutions for increasingly congested urban areas. Due to the implementation of the General Safety Regulation (GSR II) in the European Union, with the aim of reducing traffic accidents and paving the way for fully autonomous vehicles, autonomous vehicles are getting closer to becoming a viable reality on the streets and highways of developed countries [1]. In order to guarantee the necessary safety in autonomous systems, data reliability is fundamental. To this end, it is essential to implement
Gameiro, JoãoPirocchi, AmandaMatias, BrendaPaterlini, BrunoSouza, Kerylli deAngelone, LucaGama, Ulisses
As modern society develops rapidly, people’s requests for traffic convenience and traffic safety become greater and greater, and it is essential to eliminate traffic congestion and traffic accident to sustainable development of urban areas. Therefore, this paper brings forward novel solution based on hybrid sensor networks to observe the status of traffic in road networks in order to alleviate traffic jam and prevent traffic accident. With the collection of precise traffic flow information at the time, it realizes traffic flow control at crossroads, gives warning in advance with the congestion or accident. We carried out a bunch of simulation experiments in succession, the main discoveries are as follows. a. The energy consumption is great reduced under the sensor deployment rate between 1:50–1:60 (sensor : vehicles). b.The sampling rates can keep a very high level of precise and efficiency under the appropriate range between 1:50–1:60 (sensor : vehicles).The critical segments of
Wang, Xinhai
In this study, an intelligent monitoring system for electric vehicle seats based on flexible pressure sensor array is proposed. Through the design of multi-layer composite film structure and the collaborative development of STM32 embedded platform, high-precision sensing (error<5%) and rapid response (<200ms) of pressure distribution are realized. The experimental results show that the linearity of the sensor array is ± 1.5% FS in the range of 0-100kpa, and the dynamic response time is 3.6 times higher than that of the traditional sensor; By establishing a three-level adjustment algorithm (fuzzy PID+LSTM prediction+genetic optimization), the seat comfort is improved by 20.5%, and the system energy consumption is reduced by 33.5%. The research provides theoretical and technical support for the transformation of intelligent seats from “passive support” to “active interaction”.
Huang, YifengRong, DaozhiLin, GuoyongHuang, ZhenguiWang, RuliangTao, Chengxi
Traffic abnormal detection is crucial in intelligent transportation systems, while the heterogeneity and weak spatio-temporal correlation of multi-source data make it difficult for traditional methods to effectively fuse and utilize multimodal information. Most of the existing studies use data-level or decision-level fusion, which fails to fully exploit the feature complementarity of multi-source data, resulting in limited detection accuracy. To this end, we propose a multi-source data fusion anomaly detection method based on graph autoencoder (GAE) and diffusion graph neural network (DiffGNN). First, a unified data preprocessing and fusion strategy is designed to perform feature-level fusion of data from on-board sensors, infrastructures, and external environments to eliminate inconsistencies in data format, temporal alignment, and spatial distribution. Then, GAE is employed for potential graph structure feature extraction to enhance the global representation of the data on the basis
Wang, YaguangXiao, YujieMa, Ying
Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a soft robotic skin that enables vine robots that are just a few millimeters wide to navigate convoluted paths and fragile environments. To accomplish this, the researchers integrated a very thin layer of actuators made of liquid crystal elastomer at strategic locations in the soft skin. The robot is steered by controlling the pressure inside its body and temperature of the actuators.
From sorting objects in a warehouse to navigating furniture while vacuuming, robots today use sensors, software control systems, and moving parts to perform tasks. The harder the task or more complex the environment, the more cumbersome and expensive the electronic components.
In today’s medical equipment market, reliability is not a luxury — it is a necessity. Every adjustment, every movement, and every interaction with the equipment must be performed flawlessly to ensure patient safety, caregiver efficiency, and long-term service life. Behind this design and precision are highly engineered motion control components, such as gas springs, electric linear actuators, and dampers, that ensure safe, ergonomic operation of medical equipment across a wide range of healthcare applications.
Researchers from RMIT University have developed a wearable wound monitoring device with integrated sensors that could reduce infection risks by minimizing the need for frequent physical contact.
Planetary and lunar rover exploration missions can encounter environments that do not allow for navigation by typical, stereo camera-based systems. Stereo cameras meet difficulties in areas with low ambient light (even when lit by floodlights), direct sunlight, or washed-out environments. Improved sensors are required for safe and successful rover mobility in harsh conditions. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center has developed a Space Qualified Rover LiDAR (SQRLi) system that will improve rover sensing capabilities in a small, lightweight package. The new SQRLi package is developed to survive the hazardous space environment and provide valuable image data during planetary and lunar rover exploration.
In automotive applications a power electronic converter is used for energy conversion between battery and electrical machine. For high performance drives a lightweight design is demanded. Additionally, a higher efficiency of the inverter results in lower cooling requirements but is often achieved by increasing component weight. Hence, thermal modeling of the components and their interactions is essential to determine the best compromise between weight, efficiency and cooling requirements. In traction inverters the DC-link capacitors, power modules, high voltage electrical connections and low voltage devices dissipate power. In this paper the focus is on the thermal modeling of the DC-link capacitor, power modules and high voltage electrical connections and their system, as the performance of the inverter is defined by these components. The thermal models are derived based on physical properties and geometries. First, the DC-link capacitor thermal model is presented and considers the
Blaschke, Wolfgang MaximilianMengoni, LeonardPflüger, RobinKulzer, André Casal
To address the limitations of conventional overspeed detection methods, this study proposes a vehicle overspeed detection approach based on the fusion of millimeter-wave radar (MWR) and vision sensors. The MWR captures target position and velocity data, while the vision sensor acquires vehicle image information. Radar-detected points are mapped onto visual images through coordinate transformation, and the Intersection over Union (IoU) method is employed to associate radar points with vision-detected vehicle bounding boxes. Subsequently, for radar-detected points exceeding the speed threshold, the corresponding vehicle images are identified, enabling real-time overspeed detection and data acquisition. This method not only facilitates prompt identification of speeding behavior but also extracts the associated vehicle images, ensuring both accuracy and informational integrity in overspeed monitoring. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves high speed measurement
Li, YuanchenWu, ZhichaoXu, HaiboSong, LiangliangHuang, Hao
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