News, 25 July 2025
The University of South Florida (USF) has established a new academic partnership with COAST Autonomous, a developer of autonomous mobility solutions. This collaboration aims to advance research in self-driving vehicle technology and enhance workforce training for future engineers.
Through this alliance:
- COAST Autonomous will contribute its extensive expertise in autonomous systems, which are currently deployed across various commercial, industrial, and government sectors, including airports, seaports, rail, and logistics operations.
- USF College of Engineering researchers will develop a sophisticated digital twin simulation platform. This platform will enable the modeling and rigorous testing of autonomous systems under complex, realistic conditions using a “vehicle-in-the-loop” approach.
The partnership is strategically designed to tackle both the technical complexities and societal challenges associated with the widespread adoption of self-driving vehicles. Research efforts will focus on understanding community perceptions and interactions with autonomous technologies, while also identifying innovative approaches to guarantee their safety, reliability, and trustworthiness.
This alliance extends beyond research by offering invaluable experiential learning opportunities for USF students. Through direct collaboration with COAST engineers, students will gain practical skills in autonomy, robotics, and AI-enabled mobility solutions, thus preparing them for leadership positions in the dynamic transportation industry.
COAST Autonomous, headquartered in Pasadena, California, is recognized for its autonomous technologies that address demanding and often hazardous or complex operational environments. By combining COAST’s established systems with USF’s advanced research and simulation capabilities, the partnership aims to expedite the transition of laboratory innovations into practical applications.
This collaboration underscores USF’s pivotal role in cutting-edge transportation research and its commitment to fostering industry partnerships that stimulate innovation and contribute to economic prosperity in Florida and globally.
Digital twin simulation platform
Digital twin simulation platform is a virtual replica of a physical object, system, or process that uses real-time data to simulate its behavior and performance . It’s essentially a virtual environment where you can test ideas and optimize performance with few limitations
