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With more than 60% of autistic teenagers and young adults facing challenges obtaining a driver’s license, technology developed at Vanderbilt University’s School of Engineering is aiming to close that gap with an AI-powered driving simulator that assists neurodivergent learners.
Neurodiverse Technologies Inc.
recently launched SANDI
The Simulator for Advanced Neurodiverse Driving Instruction based on the work done at Vanderbilt. The simulator is built specifically for teenagers and adults on the autism spectrum and combines cognitive-behavioral training, emotional resilience development, and real-time physiological feedback to help students develop confidence behind the wheel.
“What started as an idea in a lab has become something that can truly impact the world,”
Nilanjan Sarkar
Vice Dean
Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs
David K. Wilson Professor of Engineering
Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Professor of Computer Engineering
Professor of Computer Science
Education
-Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, University of Pennsylvania
-M.E., Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science
-B.E., Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur
In partnership with
“This is exactly the kind of breakthrough technology the Frist Center was created to foster,”
said Stassun.
“SANDI exemplifies innovation that’s equally grounded in cutting-edge science and its potential to make a meaningful impact on the world.”
While the technology is noteworthy, Schlueter said changing lives is what matters most.
“We are proud to commercialize a solution born from Vanderbilt’s legacy of academic excellence, shaped by the voices of neurodiverse individuals, and fueled by the belief that everyone deserves the freedom to drive,” he said.