WCPO: UC demonstrates driverless car during Research Week
WCPO-TV featured a demonstration of a driverless car by University of Cincinnati professor Jiaqi Ma as part of UC's annual Research Week.
Ma, an assistant professor of civil engineering in UC's College of Engineering and Applied Science, has been studying ways to implement both driverless cars and a smart road system that allows cars to communicate with traffic lights and other vehicles.
WCPO profiled the research as part of its series Move Up Cincinnati.
The segment, which aired on Thursday, April 4, noted Ma’s efforts to spearhead research in the region. Ma and UC will soon have a fully equipped autonomous car to study how to apply such technology safely in a real-life setting
The innovative work demonstrates UC’s commitment to research as outlined in its strategic plan called Next Lives Here.
Featured image at top: UC professor Jiaqi Ma stands next to a driverless vehicle outfitted with sensors. Photo/Fang Zhou
Bending the Future
The University of Cincinnati is the region's destination for thinking, making, doing, discovery and delivery. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
Cincinnati sees record rainfall in weekend deluge
July 21, 2026
The Cincinnati Enquirer talks to UC College of Engineering and Applied Science Associate Professor Patrick Ray for context about a July 17 rainstorm that dumped a record amount of rain on parts of Cincinnati.
Engineering magnets for a cleaner future
July 20, 2026
The United States is heavily reliant on imported rare-earth materials to make permanent magnets. Ugochukwu Philip Ochieze, materials science student at the University of Cincinnati, is studying how to use common materials to create permanent magnets, eliminating the need for expensive and scarce rare-earth materials. Pursuing his PhD, Ochieze was named Graduate Student Engineer of the Month by the College of Engineering and Applied Science.
Students shape the future of UC's Industrial & Systems Engineering Program
July 17, 2026
Industrial engineers work in the overlap between engineering, business, and systems. Fourth-year Industrial and Systems Engineering student Phoebe Ting knew Industrial and Systems Engineering was right for her when she discovered it. UC brought back ISE to the College of Engineering and Applied Science in 2022 and will graduate the first cohort in 2027. The program is being refined and strengthened with help of the students.