The TRAVL driving simulator virtual worlds (Part II): residential driving environments

Simulated residential driving environment for observing and measuring young driver tendencies.

Simulated residential driving environment for observing and measuring young driver tendencies.

By CSEE staff

Published February 16, 2026

The Transportation Research and Visualization Laboratory (TRAVL) houses two world-class driving simulators that support advanced transportation research. These include the high-fidelity, full-motion simRING, outfitted with a complete Mustang passenger cabin, and the smaller-scale miniSIM, which is used for co-simulation applications, prototype driver testing and validation. 

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Using these simulators, TRAVL researchers have developed a series of immersive virtual environments that allow participants to engage in a wide range of driving applications. Among these are Residential Driving Environments (RDE) designed to replicate real-world roadways, including Maple Road, Sheridan Drive and Millersport Highway, as well as buildings and landmarks surrounding the University at Buffalo’s North Campus. 

To enhance realism, TRAVL has developed a companion artificially intelligent traffic model that operates alongside the user. This model is based on real-world physics and collision-detection systems and is designed to add authenticity to the simulated driving experience. All virtual environments are constructed using the C/C++ programming language, with embedded tools such as OpenGL for graphics, OpenAL for sound/audio, DirectX for driver controls, and Posix multithreads and UDP sockets to communicate with the motion systems. 

The RDE includes four primary driving worlds, each with its own series of sub-modules for scaffolded training experiences: 

  • Supporting a Teen's Effective Entry to the Roadway features a structured series of hazard modules designed to challenge the visual, mechanical and cognitive challenges for young and cognitively impaired trainees. Roadway challenges include construction zones, road rage, texting while driving, visually impaired driving and other roadway challenges. 
  • Laboratory Assessment of Behavior in Occupational Roles allows researchers to observe young adults in a simulated mixed-reality workplace environment that combines physical and virtual elements. Participants complete driving tasks associated with a food delivery scenario. 
  • Teen Driver Training serves as a supplement to classroom and in-vehicle driver training, enabling trainers to place young drivers in a staged sequence of hazardous situations aimed at improving preparedness.
  • Task-Unrelated Thought is an extended drive through neighborhood roadways that is intended to induce mind wandering, a form of cognitive distraction identified as a leading cause of negative driving outcomes.

These environments are commonly used to observe human factors such as cognition, workload and distraction in vulnerable populations, particularly young drivers and individuals with cognitive deficits. This work has been supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the University at Buffalo Foundation, the Office of the Vice President of Research and other public health foundations. 

TRAVL staff and students continue to develop, expand and maintain these virtual environments, which support ongoing pilot studies and future grant proposals related to training, education and research. 

TRAVL is a marquee research facility affiliated with the Stephen Still Institute for Sustainable Transportation and Logistics (ISTL). Through its interdisciplinary graduate program and cutting-edge research, ISTL continues to foster mechanisms for research and collaboration that will positively impact transportation systems worldwide.