The Autonomous Vehicle Research Group at the VEMI Lab explores applications of emerging transportation technology for today’s unique accessibility needs. Representing a cross-institutional collaboration between The University of Maine, Northeastern University, and Colby College, the group leverages more than a decade of user-driven assistive technology research with domain-specific expertise in computer vision and natural language processing for navigation. By developing an end-to-end mobility solution using fully autonomous vehicles as the core transportation platform, outcomes of the group’s work are expected to extend the benefits of increased mobility, independence, and quality of life not only for those who are limited by current transportation solutions, but for all users.
Video Overview
We are excited to have been selected as semifinalists for the U.S. DOT’s Inclusive Design Challenge, which seeks solutions to make automated vehicles accessible for all. Our team’s award-winning proposal includes the development of “AVA”, the Autonomous Vehicle Assistant, an innovative ride-hailing and localization smartphone application designed to seamlessly assist passengers with visual impairment and older adults during pre-journey planning, travel to pick-up locations, and vehicle entry processes. We strongly believe the outcomes from this project will extend the benefits of autonomous transportation to these groups, thereby accelerating the universally-designed transportation of the future. Our proposal was selected as one of 10 semifinalists in this national competition and will receive a $300,000 cash prize. Learn more about all of the semifinalists and stay updated on the Challenge: https://www.transportation.gov/accessibility/inclusivedesign
On January 24th, VEMI and AVR presented AVA as a semi-finalist in the U.S DOT’s Inclusive Design Challenge
Watch a quick demonstration of AVR’s app: AVA
Partners for Automated Vehicle Education (PAVE) highlights AVR as an Inclusive Design Challenge semi-finalist
News
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Fink Publishes Op-Ed in Bangor Daily News
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VEMI Presents at Inclusive Design Challenge Showcase
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Dr. Giudice and Fink present at Braille Institute
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Fink presents at International Conference on Spatial Cognition
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Fully Autonomous Vehicles for People with Visual Impairment: Policy, Accessibility, and Future Directions
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Giudice and Fink speak at 2021 American Council of the Blind Conference and Convention
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Federal Accessibility Standards for Fully Autonomous Vehicles
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Forbes: “How Passengers With Disabilities Can Drive The Autonomous Vehicle Revolution”
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Assistive Technology Update: AVA App Project with Nicholas Giudice and Richard Corey
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Giudice Interviewed on Blind and Beyond Radio Show
Autonomous Vehicle Research Group Members
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Dr. Nicholas Giudice
VEMI Chief Research Scientist | Professor in Spatial Informatics
207-581-2151
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With Support from our Expert Advisory Board:
David Barnwell: Executive Director, the Iris Network
Mike May: Chief Evangelist, GoodMaps LLC
Sherry Belka: President, the ACB of Maine
Katherine Freund: Founder and President, ITN America