The concept of smart roads is not new. It includes efforts like traffic lights that automatically adjust their timing based on sensor data and streetlights that automatically adjust their brightness to reduce energy consumption. PerceptIn, of which coauthor [Shaoshan] Liu is founder and CEO, has demonstrated at its own test track, in Beijing, that streetlight control can make traffic 40 percent more efficient. (Liu and coauthor [Jean-Luc] Gaudiot, Liu’s former doctoral advisor [and current engineering professor] at the University of California, Irvine, often collaborate on autonomous driving projects.) Read More