Presentation is entitled ‘Beyond Bits: Semantic Intelligence for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles’
Abstract:
The rapid growth of connected and autonomous vehicles is straining traditional data transmission models, which move raw sensor data with little regard for what actually matters to a downstream decision. This talk explores a shift beyond bit-level transmission toward semantic intelligence: extracting and conveying task-relevant meaning rather than raw data, cutting bandwidth needs while preserving the information that matters for safety and control. We look at how multimodal large language models can fuse heterogeneous sensor streams, cameras, LiDAR, radar, and telemetry, to support context-aware inference and real-time situational awareness under the tight latency and reliability constraints of vehicular environments. The talk closes with open challenges in edge deployment and a look toward 6G-enabled intelligent transportation systems.
Burak Kantarci is a Professor in the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Ottawa, where he holds the University Research Chair in AI-Enabled Secure Networking for Smart Critical Infrastructures. He is the Founding Director of the Smart Connected Vehicles Innovation Centre (SCVIC) and leads the NEXTCON Research Laboratory. His research focuses on AI-native networking, edge intelligence, trustworthy artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, network resilience, digital twins, and intelligent communication systems for critical infrastructures. He has authored/co-authored more than 300 peer-reviewed publications, holds multiple patents, and has led numerous collaborative research initiatives with industry and government partners. Dr. Kantarci serves as an IEEE Communications Society Distinguished Lecturer and an IEEE Systems Council Distinguished Lecturer. He is an Associate Editor of several leading IEEE journals, including IEEE Transactions on Network and Service Management, IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials, and IEEE Networking Letters. He also previously served as an Associate Editor for IEEE Internet of Things Journal and IEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics. He is the recipient of the IEEE ComSoc Communications Software Technical Committee Technical Achievement Award (2023), the IEEE Canada J. M. Ham Outstanding Engineering Educator Medal (2026), the Ontario Minister’s Award of Excellence in Innovation and Entrepreneurship (2021), the George S. Glinski Award for Excellence in Research, the King Charles III Coronation Medal (2025), and multiple IEEE Best Paper Awards. Dr. Kantarci is passionate about advancing trustworthy AI-native communication systems that bridge fundamental research and real-world impact through close collaboration with academia, industry, and government. He is a Fellow of the IET, a senior member of the IEEE and ACM.