USF partners with COAST to advance autonomous vehicle technology

The University of South Florida has launched a new academic partnership with COAST
Autonomous, a leading provider of autonomous mobility solutions, to accelerate research
in self-driving vehicle technology and expand workforce training opportunities for
the next generation of engineers.

Through this collaboration, COAST will share its expertise in autonomous systems used
across commercial, industrial, and government sectors ranging from airports and seaports
to rail and logistics operations. In parallel, USF College of Engineering researchers
will create a high-fidelity digital twin simulation platform to model and test autonomous
systems under realistic, complex conditions. This “vehicle-in-the-loop” approach will
allow for rigorous safety and performance validation before deploying technologies
in real-world environments.

The partnership is designed to address both technical and societal challenges surrounding
the adoption of self-driving vehicles. Research will examine how communities perceive
and interact with autonomous technologies while exploring new ways to ensure their
safety, reliability, and trustworthiness.

“This joint effort is not only about advancing autonomy; it is about building trust
in autonomous systems,” said Arman Sargolzaei, assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and director of USF’s Resilient, Autonomous, Networked Control Systems Lab. “Through
my National Science Foundation CAREER Award, we developed a systematic framework for testing and verifying the safety and security
of connected and autonomous vehicles. This partnership provides a unique opportunity
to implement and validate this framework in real-world settings.”

In addition to research, the alliance will create experiential learning opportunities
for USF students. By working alongside COAST engineers, students will gain practical
skills in autonomy, robotics, and AI-enabled mobility solutions, preparing them for
leadership roles in a rapidly evolving transportation industry.

“Collaborating with an industry partner like COAST allows our students to gain hands-on
experience, which prepares them for high-impact roles in the mobility sector and supports
long-term workforce development,” said Sargolzaei.

COAST Autonomous, based in Pasadena, California, has built a reputation for designing
autonomous technologies that address some of the most demanding use cases in environments
that are often hazardous, labor-intensive, or operationally complex. By integrating
COAST’s proven systems with USF’s advanced research and simulation capabilities, the
partnership aims to accelerate the path from laboratory innovation to practical deployment.

This collaboration underscores USF’s leadership in cutting-edge transportation research
and commitment to forging industry partnerships that drive innovation and economic
impact for the state of Florida and beyond.