PacTrans News
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June 4, 2024
RECAP – AI in Motion: Shaping the Future of Mobility & Safety Symposium
On May 15-17, 2024, the Texas Department of Transportation hosted the AI in Motion Symposium: Shaping the Future of Mobility & Safety in Austin, Texas. PacTrans, in collaboration with TTI and Region 6 UTC (Southern Plains Transportation Center), co-organized the event, drawing over 150 participants passionate about transportation AI.
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May 15, 2024
WDI Course Recap: Transportation Data and Analysis Tools with Dr. Ryan Avery
In May, PacTrans offered two specialized courses focused on transportation data and analysis tools, each consisting of 8 hours of online instruction over two days.
- Introduction to Transportation Data & Analysis Tools – this course focused on an introduction to transportation data, geographic information systems, and data visualization techniques
- Intermediate Transportation Data & Analysis Tools – this course introduced data analysis techniques (including an overview of machine learning) and beginning and advanced database and data management topics, including hands-on experience writing SQL queries.
Dr. Ryan Avery instructed both courses and each had approximately 12 attendees. Students valued the interactive nature of the courses, particularly the opportunities to share experiences and discuss data challenges. Students also worked in groups on advanced database query assignments and gained an appreciation for the nuances of asking the ‘right’ questions.
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May 6, 2024
Showcasing WDI Student Programs at Engineering Discovery Days
Last Friday, on May 3, 2024, PacTrans shared our Workforce Development Institute (WDI) initiatives at Engineering Discovery Days held at the University of Washington (UW). At Engineering Discovery Days, students and faculty from all UW engineering departments share their work with upwards of 10,000 students, teachers, families and the community.
Our operations team, combined with volunteers from the PacTrans fellowship program, had a great time informing visitors about the PacTrans mission and WDI summer programs for students. The programs shared were:
In this course, students learn about important topics related to autonomous vehicles (AVs) and the supporting infrastructure, and work with a team to build their own AV using LEGO Education SPIKE Prime Kits. We’ll discuss specific topics related to AVs, such as connected technology, sensing and data collection, traffic system control, electrification and more. Students practice integrating sensors, algorithms and a computing unit to automate vehicle movements. Students also take field trips to on-campus labs and hear from UW researchers and scientists. Co-sponsored by UW Youth & Teen Programs.
Washington Transportation Camp
Washington Transportation Camp is a FREE 6-day/5-night residential summer camp that will give highly motivated Washington state high school students the opportunity to explore the wonderful world of transportation through classes, lab tours, field trips, and student-led projects. Co-sponsored by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).
Here are some quotes from our volunteers:
It was such a pleasure to see UW campus alive with so many young students eager to learn about engineering. Watching students attempt the hardest levels in our Rush Hour game, then seeing the joy on their face as they succeed reinforces why I enjoy teaching so much, and I hope to see many of these students at future summer camps to learn more about transportation.
–– Ryan Avery, PacTrans Interim Assistant Director
It was great to see so many young students enthusiastic about engineering and watching them engage with all the different activities. My favorite thing was engaging in conversations about transportation and engineering with these students. I believe that it is important to have events like these to engage the future generation in engineering.–– Jonah Lorica, PacTrans Graduate FellowEngaging with the students was the best part! I loved playing games with them and answering any of their questions about transportation. It couldn’t have been a better day either. We got to be outside with the perfect PNW view.
–– Kristine Pham, PacTrans Marketing & Communications Specialist
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April 25, 2024
Join us for the PacTrans Regional Spring Transportation Seminar with Petros Ioannou
On Tuesday, May 14, join us for our Spring Regional Transportation Seminar titled “Control of Vehicles and Traffic for Safety, Mobility, and Efficiency” with guest Professor Petros Ioannou.
Watch the Livestream Here.
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April 25, 2024
Computer Vision for Pedestrian Traffic Monitoring
The University of Idaho is working with the City of Moscow, Idaho, to test computer vision sensors provided by Numina, a new start-up company based in New York City. The sensors use sophisticated algorithms to interpret visual data to recognize pedestrian behaviors, such as crossing the street, waiting at crosswalks, or sudden movements. Compared to traditional methods like manual observation or radar-based systems, computer vision sensors offer higher precision and scalability, making them a more effective solution for enhancing pedestrian safety in urban environments. The data is saved in a cloud-based system that is easy to query and download for further analysis. Read More
