SS ISTL researcher attends International Modeling and Simulation conference to present ongoing work on mixed-reality multi-modal mobility using digital twins

By CSEE staff

ANNSIM is the annual conference focused on state-of-the-art developments in modeling and simulation. The conference includes keynote speeches presented by technology and industry leaders, technical sessions, and tutorials for professional development. Scientists, engineers, managers, educators and business professionals who develop or use modeling and simulation methodologies and tools participate in the conference and present original contributions. 

Kevin Hulme, program manager for SS ISTL and a designated Certified Modeling & Simulation Professional since 2015, attended ANNSIM 2026 and presented ongoing research that aligns with various of ANNSIM 2026 conference themes. His presentation, titled “Multi-Agent, Multi-Modal, and Extended Reality (XR) Transportation Simulation & Testing Using the Mcity (2.0) Digital Twin,” was delivered as a 90-minute tutorial that provided an extended opportunity to discuss ongoing modeling and simulation innovations taking place within SS ISTL. 

The research aims to expand the testing infrastructure capabilities of Mcity, a physical test track for connected autonomous vehicles (CAVs) at the University of Michigan, by integrating human-in-the-loop, multimodal simulators include vulnerable micro-modalities such as pedestrians and bicycles to develop safe and realistic testing environments for dynamic interactions between CAV and humans. The ANNSIM tutorial presented a comprehensive lecture-based overview of the development efforts, including embedded modeling and simulation tools and methodologies and pseudocode for demonstration. 

The interdisciplinary research team at the University at Buffalo also includes Chaozhe He, principal investigator in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering; Austin Angulo, lead researcher in the Department of Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering; Irina Benedyk, lead researcher in the Department of Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering; Vivek Viswam, a graduate research assistant in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering; Sen Jiang, graduate research assistant in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering; and Ye Wang, graduate research assistant in the Department of Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering. 

ANNSIM is hosted by The Society for Modeling and Simulation International (SCS), a scientific and technical society dedicated to advancing the use of modeling and simulation to solve real-world problems. The organization is committed to facilitating communication among professionals in the simulation field.