Exploring the Prospective Role of Connected Vehicles in Monitoring and Response to Pandemics and Disasters
Principal Investigator(s):
James Eric Dietz, Professor of Computer and Information Technology – Purdue University
Director – Purdue Homeland Security Institute
Samuel Labi, Professor of Civil Engineering – Purdue University
Director – NEXTRANS
Associate Director – Center for Connected and Automated Transportation (CCAT)
Project Abstract:
The first part of the proposed research will review/upgrade existing models for disease spread monitoring, and to evaluate the efficacy of pandemic-control policies and other interventions. Then the research will assess the two-way risks of infection. In the second objective, the research will explore how, in the near-future, connected vehicles could prospectively be used to assist in pandemic monitoring and control, either in a standalone manner or as part of a network of technology entities. Using these two outcomes, a spatiotemporal tool will be developed to assess the risks of pandemic propagation for use in the prospective era of CAVs. The tool will duly account for human mobility patterns and infection characteristics. Also, the research will show how a CAV fleet, by dynamically and collaboratively planning their trips and selecting routines, can help minimize human contact and exposure during pandemics. The proposed research will seek/develop model based information platforms through which the CAV can use its connectivity technology to advice to its occupants based on the disease-related attributes associated with their trip end points. The second part of the research will focus on transport agency response to natural disasters. Connected vehicle technology can facilitate information exchange between the transport agency and road users during disruptive events. The research will examine the prospective role of CAVs at each of the three phases of disruptive event life-cycle (pre-event, peri-event, and post-event).
Institution(s): Purdue University
Award Year: 2021
Research Thrust(s): Infrastructure Design & Management, Modeling & Implementation, Policy & Planning
Project Form(s):