News

ANN ARBOR, MI Toyota Research Institute of North America (TRINA) and Xanadu, a leader in quantum computing, have launched a new collaboration to harness the power of quantum computing in advancing materials science simulations. This partnership focuses on developing quantum algorithms to improve the design, characterization, and optimization of complex materials, including those with quantum … Continued

ANN ARBOR, MI A recent publication by Dr. Danny J. Lohan, featured in the ASME Open Journal of Engineering, explores an innovative advancement in solid-state LiDAR technology. LiDAR sensors play a critical role in quickly evolving automated vehicle navigation systems. As these systems evolve, management of the thermal load generated by integrated optics remains a … Continued

ANN ARBOR, MI A new paper published in the International Journal of Robotics Research (IJRR) and featured on the cover, introduces a novel logic for formally evaluating the requirements of perception systems used in automated vehicles.  The Challenge of Evaluating Perception Systems  The safety of automated vehicles (AVs) relies heavily on robust and accurate perception … Continued

ANN ARBOR, MI The Electronics Research Department at Toyota Research Institute of North America (TRINA) in collaboration with Stanford University recently made advancements in optical performance of a dual-ring resonator device which is a common component in photonic integrated circuits. The study aimed to exploit designed thermal isolation between the rings. The work was recently … Continued

ANN ARBOR, MI Princeton University and the Toyota Research Institute of North America (TRINA) have been exploring the intricate mechanics of covert feathers for flight control. Our joint investigation into the placement of covert feathers on wing surfaces has yielded new insights into flight control, applicable to both natural and engineered systems. Birds can perform agile maneuvers … Continued

ANN ARBOR, MI A new study of driver speeding suggests the importance of driving conditions in predicting a driver’s likelihood of speeding.  CSRC researchers and collaborators at Touchstone Evaluations, Inc., found that the portion of the trip spent idling, rather than the driver’s individual speeding attitudes, was more predictive of speeding onset.  Further, 82% of … Continued

ANN ARBOR, MI Toyota’s Collaborative Safety Research Center (CSRC) recently brought together top experts to share the latest safety innovations and insights driving safe mobility forward.  In an exclusive media briefing, CSRC researchers released new findings alongside research collaborators from across the country.  The key findings from the latest wave of completed projects are available … Continued

ANN ARBOR, MI Researchers are making strides in carbon neutrality with innovative copper electrocatalysts that transform CO2 into valuable fuels. In electrochemical CO2 conversion, most catalyst materials preferably produce less-desired products, but copper stands out for producing high-value molecules like ethanol. A breakthrough technique using atomic layer deposition (ALD) of copper achieved a 75% selectivity … Continued

ANN ARBOR, MI Zheng Chen, Zhongyang Wang, and Juner Zhu received the 2024–2025 ECS Toyota Young Investigator Fellowships for projects in green energy technology. The fellowship program is a partnership between The Electrochemical Society and the Toyota Research Institute of North America (TRINA), a Toyota Motor North America (Toyota) R&D division that explores future technology. Through this program, ECS and … Continued

ANN ARBOR, MI Dr. Paul Gilmore introduces a novel approach to creating Quasi-Zero Stiffness (QZS) isolators using affordable and compact coned disk springs. These springs, which can be designed for various force requirements, achieve the QZS effect with a single component. This innovation eliminates the need to balance separate positive and negative stiffness elements, which … Continued