Andreas Malikopoulos tests technologies for connected and automated vehicles on a smaller scale at the University of Delaware's Scaled Smart City (UDSSC) testbed. Source: University of Delaware/Owen Fitter

Researchers from the University of Delaware have found that connected, self-driving cars could reduce traffic jams and even eliminate speeding tickets and traffic lights. The team used a control theory to create algorithms that test and push a traffic-less future forward.

"We are developing solutions that could enable the future of energy efficient mobility systems," said Andreas Malikopoulos, the Terri Connor Kelly and John Kelly Career Development Professor of Mechanical Engineering. "We hope that our technologies will help people reach their destinations more quickly and safely while conserving fuel at the same time."

The team created a solution so autonomous cars communicate to coordinate traffic, but spend minimal energy doing so at intersections with minimal traffic control devices. Using software simulation, the researchers found that their framework conserves auto fuel and improves travel time.

Malikopolous’ team also created a solution for optimal acceleration and deceleration when driving on busy roads with other cars and in speed zones. When testing the solution, the simulations showed that connected vehicles use 19-22% less fuel while arriving at destinations 26-30% faster than human-driven vehicles.

The paper on this research was published in IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Vehicles.