Discover how OORT and NSF's ECAT Center advance AI mobility

OORT is proud to announce its collaboration with the NSF's eCAT (Electric, Connected, and Autonomous Technologies for Mobility) Center, a partnership that brings together leading universities and industry experts to push the boundaries of AI and mobility. As part of the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Industry-University Cooperative Research Center (IUCRC) program, eCAT is at the forefront of developing sustainable mobility technologies, and OORT’s advanced products and technologies will play a crucial role in this transformative journey.

What is the National Science Foundation (NSF)?

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is a cornerstone of American innovation, providing vital support for fundamental research and education across all non-medical fields of science and engineering. With an annual budget of $9.9 billion, the NSF funds approximately 25% of all federally supported basic research conducted by U.S. universities. This level of investment rivals the combined funding of tech giants like OpenAI and SpaceX, underscoring NSF’s critical role in shaping the future of technology.

In 2023, the NSF took a bold step by investing $140 million to establish seven new National Artificial Intelligence Research Institutes, signaling its commitment to accelerating advancements in AI. One of the standout initiatives within the NSF's portfolio is the IUCRC program, designed to foster collaboration between universities and industry to drive technological innovation and bolster the U.S. economy.

Introducing the eCAT Center

The eCAT Center, established in 2021, is a testament to the power of collaboration. Led by Wayne State University in partnership with the University of North Texas and Clarkson University, eCAT focuses on the future of mobility by developing cutting-edge technologies in electric vehicle design, autonomous systems, V2X communications, and real-time edge computing. The center received a five-year grant with a total budget exceeding $4.5 million, including $2.25 million from the NSF, to advance research in these critical areas.

The eCAT Center’s mission is clear: to close the gap in synergistic research by bringing together a diverse group of scientists and industry leaders. By doing so, eCAT aims to create the next generation of sustainable mobility technologies, driving innovation that will reshape how we move and connect.

OORT’s Role in the eCAT Center

As an industrial partner in the eCAT Center, OORT is uniquely positioned to contribute its expertise in decentralized AI and data management to support the center’s ambitious goals. Our flagship products, OORT DataHub and OORT Storage, will be integral to the research and development efforts at eCAT.

  • OORT DataHub: One of the primary challenges faced by companies like Ford and Western Digital, both of whom are involved with eCAT, is managing the vast amounts of AI data required for autonomous vehicle development. OORT DataHub addresses this by efficiently collecting and preprocessing large datasets, simplifying the process of training AI models. For instance, our DataHub can streamline Ford’s autonomous driving development by accelerating data collection and labeling, enabling faster and more accurate model training.
  • OORT Storage: The security and scalability of AI data storage are paramount in AI transformation. OORT Storage ensures that the massive datasets generated through eCAT’s research are securely stored and easily accessible. This capability is crucial for companies undergoing AI transformation, as it allows them to manage their data effectively and focus on innovation rather than infrastructure.

Through our collaboration with the eCAT Center, OORT is not only contributing to the advancement of autonomous vehicle technologies but also refining our own products. Working closely with AI developers and researchers, we aim to enhance our tech stack, improve the OORT Edge network, and refine edge device design. This partnership also provides us with a valuable opportunity to build strong relationships with leading universities and research centers, establishing OORT as a key player in the AI and mobility space.

Conclusion

The partnership between OORT and the NSF’s eCAT Center marks a significant step forward in the development of electric, connected, and autonomous technologies. By leveraging our expertise in data management and AI, OORT is helping to drive innovation that will transform the future of mobility. We are excited to be part of this collaborative effort and look forward to the groundbreaking advancements that will emerge from the eCAT Center.

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