At Iowa State’s Real-time Analytics of Transportation Data (REACTOR) Laboratory, Iowa State researchers use advanced computing and data analytics to support Iowa’s transportation systems.
The REACTOR Lab includes six faculty members, 17 graduate students and four undergraduate students.
The lab is helping the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) and other agencies make data-driven decisions to improve roadway safety.
The team collaborates with computer scientists, civil engineers and transportation experts, creating an interdisciplinary approach to analyzing real-world problems.
“The goal is to empower the Iowa DOT with actionable insights derived from real-time data,” Co-director Anuj Sharma said, highlighting the lab’s mission to create tangible, impactful solutions.
Starting in 2014, the REACTOR lab began by creating a high-performance computing cluster to analyze transportation data across Iowa roads.
This system allowed the team to identify Iowa’s most congested areas across the state and uncover the causes, such as work zones or weather events. By providing data-driven recommendations, the lab helps improve roadway safety.
To view Iowa’s most congested areas, visit the Traffic Camera Snapshot Viewer website.
“Connected vehicle data is another area of emerging data where we can identify locations with low seat belt usage, low-speed limit compliance or many more operations and safety applications,” Skyler Knickerbocker, research engineer and co-director of REACTOR lab, said.
The lab has since transitioned to cloud computing, a move that reduced hardware and management costs while also increasing efficiency.
“Now, tasks that once took a week are completed in hours,” Sharma said.
“For example, if sensors detect unusual patterns like frequent heavy braking or slow speeds, notifications are sent to the technicians or displayed on dashboards in the Traffic Management Center, so as soon as they see a problem, if there’s a highway helper close by, they can direct them,” Sharma said.
Artificial intelligence plays a role in the lab’s operations, lowering the need for human oversight. By using advancements, the lab uses sensor feeds and traffic camera data to automatically detect issues like crashes or hazardous conditions.
“AI helps us detect and address problems quickly, making the entire system more responsive,” Sharma said.
REACTOR’s work extends beyond the DOT with additional funding from organizations such as the National Science Foundation and other investments based on its proven track record, Sharma said.
State police departments, motor vehicle agencies, and the public use its dashboards to access data on crashes and roadway performance.
Sharma also directs FAST-TrAC (Fast-Track Applications Project), part of ISU’s Translational AI Center.
Starting in 2022, there is a focus on translating AI technologies into practical, real-world applications for industries like agriculture, manufacturing, and finance.
Collaborating with the Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS), the program connects Iowa State students with companies for semester-long projects. offering hands-on experience and solving real-world problems.
“These collaborations not only address real-world challenges but also prepare students for industry roles,” Sharma said.
This fall, Sharma introduced AI for Civil Construction, and Environmental Engineering (AI4CCEE), a course designed to teach foundational AI knowledge. In the spring, a complementary course will provide a practical module involving real industry projects, allowing students to apply their skills to real industry challenges.
“The field is growing at a breathtaking speed,” Sharma said, emphasizing the importance of adapting to new technologies.
For more information on the AI4CCEE visit this website.
