IEEE Spectrum breed · Technology

Researcher Aims to Replace Traffic Lights with Smart Car Coordination

Christos Cassandras, a Boston University professor, is developing systems for autonomous vehicles that could eliminate traffic lights. His work uses mathematical models to ensure self-driving cars can coordinate safely.

Cassandras pioneered cyber-physical systems, viewing machines as both physical objects and computers. This is key to ensuring autonomous vehicle safety.

His early work on assembly lines led to discrete event systems theory, recognizing machines operate on event-driven logic.

This evolved into cyber-physical systems theory, modeling machines as obeying physical laws and event-driven dynamics.

Recent research focuses on mathematically proving self-driving car safety using position and speed data.

He simulated removing traffic lights at a Boston intersection, showing potential gains in traffic flow, safety, and efficiency.

While widespread adoption is distant, he tests coordination systems with robots, emphasizing technology must consider human accessibility.

Cassandras's influence extends through his students and IEEE involvement, aiming to improve society.

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