Dr. Seyhan Ucar | Connected Vehicle – Associate Professor at InfoTech Labs, Toyota Motor North America R&D
Dr. Seyhan Ucar is a pioneering researcher in the field of intelligent transportation systems and connected vehicle technologies, with a focus on vehicular networking, communication protocols, and human-machine interaction. With over 10 years of professional experience, Dr. Ucar has led groundbreaking projects that bridge the gap between advanced research and real-world applications. His expertise encompasses developing connected vehicle services for future transportation technologies and improving vehicular communication and safety systems. Dr. Ucar’s work has earned him multiple accolades, and he has been recognized as a finalist for prestigious awards, such as the IEEE Intelligent Transportation Society Young Researcher/Engineer Award.
Professional Profile
Education
Dr. Ucar holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering from Koç University in Istanbul, Turkey, where he explored visible light communication and its applications in secure vehicular networks. His thesis, titled “Visible Light Communication Assisted Secure/Efficient Architecture for Platoon,” reflects his commitment to exploring innovative solutions for enhancing vehicular communication. He also earned a Master’s degree in the same field, where he researched multi-hop cluster architectures for vehicular ad hoc networks. His academic foundation is supported by a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering from Izmir Institute of Technology.
Experience
Dr. Ucar’s professional journey spans both academia and industry, demonstrating his versatility as a researcher and a leader. He currently serves as a Principal Researcher at InfoTech Labs, Toyota Motor North America R&D, where he oversees several research projects, including Vehicular Micro Clouds, Anomaly Driving Detection, and the development of human-machine interaction models. His role involves managing teams of engineers, researchers, and collaborating with university partners. Prior to this, Dr. Ucar was a researcher at Toyota InfoTechnology Center, U.S.A., and a postdoctoral researcher at Koç University. His experience also includes founding and leading a start-up, Mobifique LTD, which developed award-winning mobile applications for fitness tracking.
Research Interests
Dr. Ucar’s research interests focus on connected vehicle technologies, intelligent transportation systems, vehicular networking, and communication protocols. His work includes the development of innovative solutions for safe driving, real-time anomaly detection, and improving human factors in vehicle interactions. Dr. Ucar has pioneered research into vehicular micro clouds and edge-assisted driving behavior detection, with applications ranging from driver safety to vehicle-to-vehicle communication. His focus on practical solutions for real-time deployment distinguishes his approach from purely theoretical studies in the field.
Awards
Dr. Ucar’s work has been widely recognized in the academic and professional communities. He has received several Best Paper, Best Demo, Best Poster, and Best Mobile Application awards throughout his career. In 2022, he was awarded the ITS World Congress Best Scientific Paper Award and the IEEE Vehicular Networking Conference Best Demo Award. His accomplishments have earned him recognition as a finalist for the IEEE Intelligent Transportation Society Young Researcher/Engineer Award. Additionally, Dr. Ucar has been promoted to Editor-At-Large for the IEEE Open Journal of the Communications Society, a testament to his contributions to the field of vehicular, aerial, and satellite communications.
Publications
“Human Factor Study: Understand Driver Behavior in Response to Unsafe Follower Vehicles” (ITS World Congress, 2025)
“Aggressive Driving Detection: From Simulation and Data Analysis to Proof-of-Concept Trials” (IEEE Vehicular Networking Conference, 2025)
“Tailgating Behavior Detection On Rear Vehicles” (IEEE International Conference on Intelligent Transportation Systems, 2023) 🚗
“Field Experiments: Rear Vehicle Behavior Awareness to Avoid Rear-End Collisions” (IEEE International Conference on Sensing, Communication, and Networking, 2023) 🛣️
“Proactive Management of Drivers When Impacted by Aggressive Driving” (IEEE Vehicular Networking Conference, 2025) 🚓
Conclusion
Dr. Seyhan Ucar is an exceptional researcher whose work continues to shape the future of connected vehicles and intelligent transportation systems. His leadership in both academic and industrial research, combined with his numerous awards and publications, positions him as a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. Dr. Ucar’s ability to bridge theoretical research with practical applications, as demonstrated in his real-time field trials and patented technologies, makes his contributions invaluable to the advancement of automotive and transportation technologies. He remains a thought leader in his field, with a commitment to safety, innovation, and human-centered design in vehicular technology.