Vanderbilt University, TDOT and Nissan conduct traffic-pattern study with goal of advancing future of mobility. CIRCLES team pictured at command center during traffic-pattern study. November 28, 2022. The CIRCLES Consortium, consisting of Vanderbilt University, UC Berkeley, Temple University and Rutgers University-Camden, in coordination with Nissan North America and Tennessee Department of Transportation, concluded a five-day open-track experiment on Nov. 18.

Researchers tested an artificial-intelligence-equipped cruise control system designed to increase fuel savings and ease traffic using 100 specially equipped Nissan Rogue vehicles.

The experiment, which ran Nov. 14 through Nov. 18 on a sensor-filled portion of U.S. Interstate 24,is based on results from an earlier, closed-track study. Findings indicated a single AI-equipped vehicle influenced the speed and driving behavior of up to 20 surrounding cars, causing a positive ripple effect to help smooth human-caused traffic congestion.