Day: January 31, 2025

A group of researchers from the NYU Tandon School of Engineering have started a year-long project to create a virtual “twin” of Downtown Brooklyn that could help emergency responders more effectively handle accidents and traffic jams.

The high-tech project, called NanoDT (Nano Digital Twin), aims to create a detailed 3D replica of the Downtown area, giving responders real-time tools to navigate emergencies and keep traffic flowing smoothly.

The project, led by Kaan Ozbay, a professor and director of NYU’s C2SMARTER research center and researcher Zilin Bian, is made possible by an NVIDIA Academic Grant.

The system will use 3D maps and real-time traffic data to give emergency teams a clear, up-to-date picture of what’s happening during accidents or other disruptions. This could help them make faster, smarter decisions when every second counts.

“Emergency responders often rely on limited information from human reporting or fixed cameras,” said Dr. Bian. “Our system will give them a bird’s-eye view of accident scenes, helping them identify optimal routes and predict secondary accident risks.”

The goal is to help cities handle major emergencies like bridge collapses or highway accidents, which can cause serious injuries, traffic chaos, and economic losses.

“In urban emergencies, where every second counts, NanoDT’s real-time 3D visualization will transform traditional response methods into dynamic, data-driven decisions,” added Dr. Ozbay. “Ultimately, we want to help save more lives in critical situations.”

The NanoDT system uses existing city tools, like traffic cameras and public data feeds, so cities won’t need to spend extra money on new equipment. It uses artificial intelligence to turn this data into real-time 3D maps of accident scenes, letting responders see what’s happening before they even arrive.

One unique feature is the system’s ability to spot nearby resources, like parking lots or urgent care centers. “If there’s a parking lot behind an accident scene, responders can park emergency vehicles there instead of blocking traffic lanes,” Dr. Bian explained. This approach could help reduce secondary disruptions that often occur during emergency response.

The project, which started this month, will use advanced tools from NVIDIA, including powerful graphics processors and software for creating 3D simulations. The team is currently testing the system using traffic data from Downtown Brooklyn. If it works, the technology could be used in other cities with similar camera systems, offering a cost-effective way to improve emergency response.

“We are excited that NYU Tandon’s C2SMARTER is piloting NanoDT in Downtown Brooklyn,” said Downtown Brooklyn Partnership President Regina Myer. “Leveraging AI technology to analyze public data and better coordinate responses to major disruptions and emergencies is truly groundbreaking, and with its density of public transit and proximity to interstate highways and the East River bridges, Downtown Brooklyn is the perfect study area.”

NYU’s C2SMARTER team earlier this month launched similar “digital twin” technology in Harlem to help the fire department respond faster to events.

A NEW BRANCH of nationwide doggy daycare chain Hounds Town USA opened at 545 Vanderbilt Ave. in Prospect Heights on Jan. 29.

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