Lassonde students win silver for innovation at global competition 

A team of students from York University’s Lassonde School of Engineering, working in collaboration with Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) in China, earned the Silver Prize in the Innovation Category at the 11^th China Youth Creative Competition (Technology Innovation Track). Their project, AI-Empowered 6G Assisted Autonomous Driving, was recognized for its innovative solutions aimed at enhancing autonomous vehicle performance and communication. 

Led by Professor Hina Tabassum, the York Research Chair in 5G/6G-enabled mobility and sensing applications and a member of Lassonde’s Mobility Innovation Centre (MOVE), the team’s work tackled some of the most pressing challenges in autonomous driving. The project integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) with emerging 6G communication technologies to optimize vehicle performance, enhance connectivity, and maintain stability during high-speed travel. 

The team’s achievements include developing adaptive cruise control systems optimized with AI to reduce collisions, ease traffic congestion, and improve fuel efficiency. They also demonstrated how autonomous vehicles equipped with their advancements can dynamically select lanes based on real-time traffic conditions, enhancing safety and transportation efficiency. 

From left: Mohammed Amin Saeidi (PhD) Amirhossein Mohammadi (MASc), Professor Tabassum and Zijiang Yan (BSc)

Jianhua Pei, a PhD candidate at HUST and team lead, emphasized the importance of connecting research with practical applications. “By bridging cutting-edge AI techniques with real-world challenges, we’ve developed solutions that are practical for everyday life,” he explained. The experience also attracted investor interest, motivating the team to continue advancing their project. 

Zijiang Yan, a Lassonde Computer Science graduate and Research Assistant under Professor Hina Tabassum, reflected on how the project influenced his career path. “This work has solidified my focus on refining transportation systems with AI to optimize traffic flow and resource allocation,” he said. Zijiang and the team are now looking to establish a consulting business to improve traffic management in the Greater Toronto Area and collaborate with telecommunications carriers to enhance 5G systems for autonomous vehicles. 

“This project reflects the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration,” said Professor Tabassum. “By leveraging AI and advanced communication technologies, our students are shaping the future of smart transportation systems.” 

This recognition underscores Lassonde’s commitment to fostering collaboration and helping address real-world challenges.

Award Certificate – Silver Prize  

11th China Youth Creative Competition Award Ceremony