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.