# ERI: Systems of Systems Approach for Safe and Energy Efficient Control of Humans, Vehicles, and Transportation Systems

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Morgan State University (MD) · $200,000

## Abstract

This Engineering Research Initiation (ERI) award supports research that will focus on a system of systems approach for human-autonomy collaboration using integration of real-world driving with sensing infrastructure to understand traffic dynamics. It is planned that findings will be used for accurate modeling of intelligent traffic and vehicle control strategies. Transportation is a key driver of smart cities, enabling social development and the movement of goods and people across origins and destinations. However, the random nature of people and vehicle movements makes traffic flow systems stochastic and unpredictable. This research project brings together multidisciplinary expertise in the built environment and in systems modeling to explore creation of a new design paradigm for a future connected built environment that learns from human autonomy collaboration using real autonomous driving scenes. The planned research advances the NSF mission of promoting societal benefits by improving energy efficiency and safety. This project would provide opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in research efforts and foster a new generation of emerging mobility professionals. The project efforts would develop a gaming concept “Collaborative Racing with Humans and Autonomous Vehicles (CRAV)” to help students and public learn about the concept of human autonomy collaboration and improve broader adoption of emerging mobility technologies.

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## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2502156
- **Awardee organization:** Morgan State University (MD)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** KULSKCCZJT27
- **PI:** Zulqarnain Khattak
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEMS MGT, RESEARCH INITIATION AWARD
- **Estimated total:** $200,000
- **Funds obligated:** $200,000
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 07/01/2025 → 06/30/2027

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2502156

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2502156, ERI: Systems of Systems Approach for Safe and Energy Efficient Control of Humans, Vehicles, and Transportation Systems. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2502156. Licensed CC0.

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