Dr. Joshua Li's research studies rural readiness for autonomous vehicles
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Media Contact: Tanner Holubar | Communications Specialist | 405-744-2065 | tanner.holubar@okstate.edu
The School of Civil and Environmental Engineering in the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology at Oklahoma State University has made a name for itself when it comes to research into vehicle transportation and safety.
Dr. Joshua Li, associate professor of CIVE, has been involved with numerous projects that have made great contributions to drivers being safer on roadways.
Earlier this year, Li’s team was awarded $60,000 from the Southern Plains Transportation Center for a project titled “Preparedness of Autonomous Transportation in Rural and Tribal Communities.”
This will be an interdisciplinary undertaking, as Li will work with Dr. Anirudh Paranjothi, an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science.
Li will focus primarily on evaluating the readiness of our infrastructure systems, while Paranjothi focuses on communication networks. Based on their research findings, the team will look to make recommendations to policymakers on how to help improve an area’s readiness.
There are several factors that can contribute to an area not being prepared for autonomous vehicles. These include the conditions of the roadways, the visibility and compliance of lane markings and roadway signage, the number of charging stations as well as the communication network needed for the vehicles to function properly. There is also a need for local policies in place in addition to the local community’s acceptance of AVs.
“Several factors can make an area unprepared for AVs,” Li said. “Poor road conditions, faded or missing lane markings, inconsistent or non-standard traffic signs, and a lack of communication networks can create challenges for AV navigation. Additionally, limited broadband access and low public awareness about AV technology can further hinder deployment.”
The research will cover three different aspects: infrastructure readiness, digital communication and connectivity, and community and policy considerations. These feed into the four primary tasks of the project:
- Identify key challenges and assess an area’s readiness for AVs.
- Conduct field data collection and evaluate their readiness in real-time and at low cost.
- Test multi-channel communication systems to make sure the vehicles can remain connected in rural areas.
- Analyze findings and provide recommendations to help improve AV.
The team will use 3D laser imaging and vehicle-mounted sensors to study road conditions and then set up a framework for assessing any infrastructure gaps. They will then use these findings to determine if an area is suitable for AVs.
For studying the network connections, existing networks such as Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC), Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) and Starlink will be studied to see how well the network supports AV operations and if any additional communication technology is needed.
Based on findings from these efforts, the team will then meet with local transportation agencies and community representatives to listen to any concerns and expectations. They will then take this information and combine it with their findings to make any policy recommendations.
“This project helps better understand the gaps and challenges for AVs in rural transportation systems,” Li said. “By evaluating physical and communication infrastructure and connectivity challenges, we hope to contribute to safer and more efficient mobility solutions in these communities.”