IAAPS Doctoral Annual Conference 2025

Institute for Transport Studies

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Title: The challenge of the transport transition: is it technological or societal?

Abstract: In this talk I will discuss the Gordian knot of achieving a profound shift in the way we achieve mobility. This is framed against the context of the climate crisis and its intersection with social justice and environmental justice. I will draw on three key starting propositions – technology is not neutral, our current economic system is profoundly unfair and the planet doesn’t ‘care’ if humans survive the polycrisis we have created. I am primarily a social scientist, with a lot of interdisciplinary experience. My main area of expertise is in relation to transport governance (i.e. the policy domain) and the challenge of changing people’s behaviours. I’ll bring in some learnings from the research I have been involved with over the years. My aim is provoke discussion about the responsibilities of researchers in developing technologies, making recommendations aimed at policy makers and engaging with a range of ‘publics’.

Institute for Transport Studies

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Title: Electric cars and vans: why we still cannot guarantee that consumers will ‘do the right thing

Abstract: Despite most energy and carbon modelling exercises clearly indicating that electric vehicles will not allow the transport sector to stay within carbon budgets on their own, the setting of ambitious adoption targets for these vehicles is the main tenet of most develop economies’ transport decarbonisation strategies. The transition to EVs is essentially taken for granted, although the rate of uptake remains uncertain among mainstream consumers as well as the hardest to reach groups. This talk will highlight just how far and how fast we need consumers to embrace and adopt this technology and the multifaceted package of policies that will be required to achieve this. Differences among social groups, places and markets will be addressed, with particular emphasis on the need to combine policies in specific ways in order to achieve a just transition. Serious questions will be posed as to the legitimacy of relying on the model of private ownership of EVs as the only route to transport sector decarbonisation taken seriously in current policy portfolios.

AAPS Cohort 4

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PhD Topic: Integrating Sharing Economy Business Models in Automotive Companies: Strategies for Enhancing Corporate Sustainability

Title: How sharing mobility systems are influencing automotive corporations' strategies?

Abstract: This presentation explores the influence of sharing mobility systems on the strategic and operational dimensions of automotive companies. As the mobility landscape evolves, traditional ownership-based models are being increasingly challenged by access-based alternatives such as car-sharing, ride-hailing, and peer-to-peer platforms. This shift is driven by technological advancements, urbanisation, environmental concerns, and changing consumer preferences. Drawing on recent academic literature and industry reports, the study analyses how automotive manufacturers are adapting their business models, forming partnerships, and investing in mobility services to remain competitive. Key findings indicate that sharing mobility systems are reshaping value creation in the automotive sector by altering revenue streams, product design priorities, and supply chain configurations. Moreover, they introduce both opportunities such as improved fleet utilisation and data-driven innovation and challenges, including brand cannibalisation, regulatory complexity, and strategic uncertainty. This research contributes to the broader understanding of how digital platform models intersect with industrial transformation, offering insights into the future trajectories of automotive firms amid mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) trends. It concludes by identifying critical areas for further research and strategic decision-making within the automotive ecosystem.

AAPS Cohort 5

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PhD Topic: Understanding the role of emotions in public acceptance of transport infrastructure projects

Title: The Person or the Project? What Factors are Most Important in Predicting Acceptability of Transport Infrastructure Projects

Abstract: Transitioning to a sustainable transport system is going to require substantial changes to infrastructure. However, a lack of public acceptability can cause problems in successfully delivering sustainable transport projects (House of Commons Transport Committee, 2021). While there has been research examining the acceptability of transport policies and energy infrastructure, so far there has been very little research exploring the acceptability of transport infrastructure projects. This research used a cross-sectional survey to examine project-level and individual-level predictors of 30 transport infrastructure projects. The results of this study demonstrate that project-level factors (including fairness, risk, and perceived benefits) are more important in predicting the acceptability of transport infrastructure projects than individual factors (e.g., age, gender, trust and place attachment). This suggests interventions to improve the acceptability of such projects should focus on changing the way projects are presented, rather than tailoring based on a local community's demographics or targeting individual-level psychological factors like trust and place attachment.

Nottingham City Council

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Title: Nottingham City Council – Leading By Example

Abstract: Come and hear about how Nottingham City Council used emerging technology to electrify over half its fleet and how they plan to leverage this to gain extra savings and benefits for the local residents and businesses by creating a micro-grid at their main depot to help balance grid demand in Nottingham.

AAPS Cohort 4

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PhD Topic: From ‘I’ to ‘we’: how theories of social cooperation inform policymaking around reducing reliance on car ownership

Title: Seeing Green: How is adoption of electric vehicle influenced by EV green number plate policies?

Abstract: Accelerating the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is critical to decarbonisation pathways, but diffusion of innovation is complex and financial incentives have proven economically unsustainable. The behavioural public policy where all new EVs are opted into a green colour on their number plate, is used by 28 countries internationally, but yet to be studied. Behavioural theories of technology adoption and empirical studies on social norms and observability suggest this policy may be more social, complex and non-linear than policymakers anticipated. We hypothesised the green colour functions as an environmental nudge, the increased identifiability of EVs creates a dynamic norm, and together this enables EV drivers to signal innovative or green identities. An international policy review found 28 countries with the policy, with data showing wide differences in adoption between countries (study 1). A further online survey and experiment (n=2,376) found support varies between vehicle owners, a role for observability (wanting others to know their car is electric) and social norms (perceiving EVs are commonplace) (study 2). Results are significant for researching tipping points in sustainable technologies beyond EVs (like heat pumps) and policymakers in countries considering when and how to apply this no-cost behavioural public policy.

Imperial College London

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Title: Scaling up EV Charging Infrastructure: Barriers and Opportunities

Abstract: Electrification of road transport is widely acknowledged as one of the key steps towards addressing environmental, sustainability and decarbonisation targets. A wide range of incentives have established a fledgling electric vehicle (EV) market in the UK (other countries worldwide have enjoyed varying degrees of success for a complex combination of reasons, with Norway being at the forefront). While EVs had nearly 20% share of UK new car sales in 2024, EVs represent only about 4% of the cars on UK roads. This is partly due to the high cost of EV ownership and the lack of attractive alternatives, but also in good measure due to the perceptions and ground realities of the EV charging infrastructure. Achieving wide-scale EV adoption will require us to break the cycle of dependence between EV adoption and EV infrastructure investment. This talk will focus on the barriers as well as the opportunities in the scaling up of the EV market, dwelling briefly on EV adoption and exploring in greater depth the EV charging infrastructure market.

IAAPS Cohort 6

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PhD Topic: Hardware-in-the-loop Testbench for Electric Propulsion System in All-Electric Aircraft

Title: A Novel Multi-functional Dual Winding Machine

Abstract: As a key component in electric vehicle propulsion systems, the electrical machine has a direct impact on vehicle performance, including speed, efficiency, and operational safety. This work presents a multifunctional dual-winding electrical machine design with the potential for self-excited brushless operation. The proposed machine features two independent windings, enabling it to produce two AC outputs with different amplitudes and frequencies simultaneously. In motor mode, the dual-winding configuration enhances fault tolerance, allowing continued operation even if one winding becomes unavailable. Additionally, by using one winding to provide excitation to the other, the design can operate in a brushless mode without the need for external excitation circuits. This may help reduce maintenance and improve reliability in certain use cases. While still in the early stage of development, this design explores a simple approach to improving functionality and robustness in electrical machines, with possible applications in systems where reliability and safety are important.

AAPS Cohort 4

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PhD Topic: Context enhanced tracking algorithms for improved vision-based vehicle trajectory and intention analysis

Title: Scalable and Efficient Traffic Management

Abstract: This talk will discuss my work on improving the real-world performance and scalability of Multi-Object Tracking (MOT) systems for traffic monitoring. While many state-of-the-art trackers perform well in benchmarks, they often rely on heavy expensive hardware and ideal conditions, making them difficult to deploy across entire cities. My work explores how we can reduce this reliance by focusing on motion prediction and scene context—particularly through the use of road layout and driving rules.

Enterprise Mobility

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Title: Challenges and Opportunities in the UK EV Transition

Abstract: The EV transition is facing substantial challenges, and recent UK government commitments to the 2030 ICE ban have been diluted by greater flexibility in how targets are met. Navigating the landscape of EV demand, infrastructure investment, and emerging technologies such as V2G and features-on-demand is complex. Yet there are opportunities for OEMs, fleets, and consumers. Can these interests align, or will there be casualties along the way?

AAPS Cohort 5

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PhD Topic: Integrating uncertainty about environmental impacts into design of future transport systems using life cycle assessment

Title: A Prospective Assessment of the WECA Region's Transport Emissions

Abstract: One of the largest emittors of CO2-equivalent in the West of England Combined Authoritry (WECA) area is the transportation of goods and people. With this being a key target of regional and national net-zero targets, does modal shift goals set by the region show the area to be on target? The presentation conducts a life-cycle assessment of the WECA transport network based on 2023 data, and uses various climate-based scenario modelling to try predict where emissions will go, and where any benefits/additional losses will come from.

AAPS Cohort 5

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PhD Topic: Sustainable Composite Materials for Automotive Applications: a holistic approach for Electric Vehicles Battery Enclosures

Title: Upcycling Agricultural Waste into Sustainable Materials

Abstract: As climate change continues on, it is clear there is a need for alternative sources of materials if we are to reduce our environmental impact and usage of fossil fuels. Opuntia Ficus-Indica (OFI), commonly known as prickly pear cacti, is an invasive species of cacti found in arid and semi-arid regions across the globe. Large amounts of OFI waste are produced as by-products of food production and pruning, with the majority ending up in landfill or incineration. This research looks into the extraction of fibres from OFI waste and characterising their unique properties to decide whether OFI are a viable source of natural fibres.

Department for Energy Security & Net Zero

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Title: Carbon Capture, Use and Storage in the UK: A Policy Analyst’s Perspective

Abstract: Carbon Capture, Use and Storage (CCUS) is deemed to be an essential technology required to transition the UK to a Net Zero economy. Deployment of CCUS in existing industrial clusters will aide hard-to-decarbonise industries in their transition, including power, blue-hydrogen production, and industrial applications, and progress the UK along its least-cost pathway to Net Zero. This presentation will outline the ambitions of HMG for the deployment of CCUS in the UK and delve into the analysis used to support the £21.7bn funding announced for HyNet and the East Coast Cluster (ECC) in 2024.

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PhD Topic: Chemical Vapour Deposition for Advanced Lithium Ion Battery Materials

Title: Lithium polysulfides for the deposition of battery materials through aerosol-assisted chemical vapour deposition

Abstract: Conversion-type cathode materials are some candidates for future generations of secondary Li and Li-ion batteries. Compared to intercalation-type materials, they have the potential to be safer, more environmentally friendly and incorporate cheaper, more abundant materials.1 One such cathode material is lithium sulfide (Li2S). This boasts a theoretical specific capacity of 1166 mAh g-1, approximately three times that of the current state-of-the-art intercalation-type materials.2 However, these systems require over-charging prior to use, due to the high activation voltage of 3.5 V required to overcome the high lattice enthalpy of Li2S.
Aerosol-assisted chemical vapour deposition (AA-CVD) offers a route to generate Li2S that could reduce this activation voltage, possibly eradicating it completely, as seen with other vapour-deposition techniques.3 Single-source precursors for AA-CVD are used to alleviate any volatility requirements, expanding the pool of precursors to select from, such as the lithium polysulfide species seen in Figure 1, whilst reducing the potential energy requirements to produce the films.4 The work entailed highlights generation of lithium polysulfide compounds for use as precursors to generate battery materials via AA-CVD. Deposition is being optimised with the aim of depositing on a suitable host material to produce coin cells to assess the resultant electrochemistry. 

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PhD Topic: Ultrasound Non-destructive Evaluation for Lithium-ion Battery Packs

Title: Monitoring the state of charge in aging small-scale lithium-ion batteries using ultrasound nondestructive evaluation

Abstract: Lithium-ion batteries are essential for electrification, and ensuring their safety is critical. As batteries age, their electrochemical and elastic properties change. This study uses ultrasound nondestructive evaluation (NDE) to monitor battery state of charge (SoC) during aging. Ultrasonic time of flight (ToF) and signal amplitude (SA) measurements of a lithium-ion battery are monitored from its fresh state to near end-of-life under low-C-rate cycling. The results demonstrate that both ultrasound measurements follow repeatable trends throughout the aging process. The ultrasound measurements show consistent spikes at lower SoC during discharge, and a strong correlation between ultrasound measurements and battery potential was also observed. These findings suggest that repeatable elastic activities at lower SoC can offer an opportunity to understand lithium-ion batteries better.

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PhD Topic: Lifetime modelling of PEM fuel cell stacks

Industry Partner: Ricardo

Title: Degradation of proton exchange membrane fuel cells under automotive environmental conditions

Abstract: Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) are a promising technology for zero-emission automotive applications due to their high efficiency and low operating temperatures. However, their long-term performance is highly sensitive to environmental conditions, particularly temperature and relative humidity, which fluctuate significantly during real-world driving. These variations can disrupt membrane hydration, catalyst stability, and water management, accelerating degradation processes and limiting system durability. This research investigates the effects of temperature and humidity fluctuations on PEMFC performance within automotive operating ranges. A comprehensive literature review identified significant gaps, particularly in long-term, multi-variable studies under dynamic conditions. Emphasis is placed on the Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA), especially the electrocatalyst layer, which accounts for a substantial portion of fuel cell costs and performance limitations. To address these gaps, a custom-designed test rig simulates realistic automotive operating cycles while controlling temperature and humidity. Both in-situ and end-of-life characterization methods, including polarization curves and open-circuit voltage monitoring, are employed to track degradation trends. Preliminary results show that unstable environmental conditions exacerbate degradation phenomena such as hydrogen crossover, catalyst agglomeration, and voltage loss. This work contributes to predictive degradation models and operational guidelines, supporting the development of durable, efficient PEMFC systems for sustainable automotive applications.

AVL

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Title: Energy storage and the impact to transport Systems and Beyond

Abstract: With the need to transition to a true net zero energy ecosystem, there is a push to get everything electric, however electricity has some great challenges in its adoption. From the intermittency of renewables and the need to curtail supply to looking at the distribution and storage of electricity. The scale of the challenge is such that we need big answers. Some of those big answers may be beyond the ability of society to deliver quickly. So is there scope for out of the box thinking that could provide partial answers and help to speed the transition to net zero? Can we use the rules of logistics to give a new angle to our problem and just where do our transport solutions play a part in the future?

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PhD Topic: Simply the best? Rapid AI-driven screening of porous materials for hydrogen purification and low carbon fuels

Title: Desulphurisation: a sustainable development must

Abstract: Fossil fuels are the dominant energy source in developed and developing countries. This is because it remains one of the cheapest and most reliable sources of energy. While we transition to alternative fuels such as hydrogen, it is essential to limit the damage from fossil fuels. Fossil fuel combustion generates a flue gas which contains CO2, however it also contains small amounts of harmful substances such as SO2 which is responsible for acid rain. However, nanoporous materials are a promising solution to capturing flue gas emissions. The inner surfaces of these materials have specific molecular interactions with flue gas components. These interactions are known as adsorption and provide an elegant method to trap harmful gases from escaping into the environment. In our work, we use simulations to screen 150,000 materials to find promising materials and to understand which properties contribute to the efficient removal of SO2. But could machine learning be a better method to screen a huge library of materials like this?

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PhD Topic: Physics-based and Data-driven Modelling of Lithium-ion Battery Degradation

Title: Analytical Solution of Multi-layer Lithium-ion Diffusion in Electrolyte under Spatiotemporally Varying Conditions

Abstract: The research proposes an analytical modelling to approximate the multi-layer lithium-ion concentration distribution in the electrolyte under space-dependent initial conditions and spatiotemporally varying boundary conditions. Additionally, it analyses the effects of molar flux from charge and discharge currents and flux determined by Butler-Volmer kinetics on diffusion behaviour and model accuracy. A truncation error expression is also derived to analyse the impact of eigenfunctions and eigenvalues on computational accuracy and ensure the model remains precise over extended time periods. The proposed approach is validated against numerical solutions under both low and high C-rate conditions, as well as real-world cycling data from the Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule (UDDS). The results confirm that the model delivers accurate predictions while greatly improving computational efficiency.

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Title: Radiators in fuel cell powered aircraft: the effect of heat rejection on drag

Abstract: Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) powered propulsion is anticipated to play a leading role in decarbonising aviation. Megawatts of heat generated by PEMFCs must be transferred to atmosphere via cooling systems, and the drag incurred by these systems can be offset by heat dissipation to the airstream via ducted radiators, a phenomenon termed the ‘Meredith effect’. This phenomenon is relatively unexplored for ducted radiators on aircraft. This presentation presents a thermodynamic analysis that provides insight into the fundamental physics of the problem and demonstrates that it is feasible to develop fan-fed ducted radiators with low drag for 1 MW PEMFC propulsion systems at stack temperatures of 80 to 200 °C.

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PhD Topic: Sun + CO2: a match to drive a more sustainable future

Title: Microreactor Design for Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction

Abstract:This presentation will introduce my PhD research on the design, fabrication, and testing of microreactors for photochemical carbon dioxide reduction reactions (CO₂RR). While much of the focus in CO₂RR research has been on catalyst development, reactor engineering remains a relatively untapped approach to improving performance. Microreactors, with their enhanced mass transfer capabilities, are particularly well-suited for multi-phase reactions like photochemical CO₂ reduction and could significantly enhance selectivity toward liquid hydrocarbons. I will discuss my investigation into optimising microreactor channel designs to improve process control and performance. This involves using computer-aided design (CAD) software to develop various microreactor geometries, which will be evaluated through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations before being fabricated via 3D printing.

GKN

Title: Building a Pathway for Zero Emission Air Transport

Abstract: Reducing emissions is a critical objective for the air transport sector. Global populations are set to continue to rise over the coming decades while at the same time demand for flying abroad, for business and for pleasure, is only set to increase dramatically. Exploring the use of Hydrogen as an alternate fuel source to Kerosene for commercial flight GKN Aerospace are building a wealth of evidence that suggests the path to zero emission flight might not be as far away as we think, but is there a bigger picture at play? We all know the decarbonisation of commercial flight is a major mitigating factor to help combat rising global CO2 levels, but with the current political and socio-economic climate, is making change now more difficult than ever?

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PhD Title: Autonomous Parameter Estimation for Electric Machines

Industry Partner: AVL

Title: Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Flux and Inductance Estimation using Experimental Data and Gaussian Process Regression

Abstract: Accurate flux and inductance estimation is crucial for high-fidelity modelling and emulation of permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSMs). This paper presents a systematic workflow for extracting (d)- and (q)-axis flux and inductance look-up tables (LUTs) from full-factorial experimental data using voltage equations derived from the PMSM equivalent circuit model. The workflow begins with data acquisition from a PMSM testbed, capturing current, voltage, speed and torque across a wide operating range. Using the PMSM voltage equations, the (d)- and (q)-axis flux linkages and inductances are computed while accounting for temperature-dependent resistance variations. Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) is then employed to interpolate and extrapolate flux values over an extended operating range, ensuring accurate LUT generation. The final flux and inductance LUTs are formatted for direct integration into electric machine emulators, enabling real-time validation and optimisation of electric drive control strategies. Experimental validation confirms the accuracy and reliability of the proposed approach, demonstrating its potential for hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, virtual prototyping, and control system development in electrified powertrains.

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PhD Topic: Autonomous Anomaly Detection and Self-healing in a smart test environment

Industry Partner: AVL

Title: Alternative Approaches for Advancing Propulsion Systems

Abstract: In this talk Ellie will present findings from her experiences of combining methodologies from different disciplines, and how these have helped her to offer solutions to automotive industry partners. This includes how conducting interviews into data quality with academics and practitioners from a range of sectors has helped her to identify the best machine learning solutions for collaborations with Ford Motor Company, AVL, and Jaguar Land Rover. As well as insights into how using ethnographic approaches can inform the business practises of IAAPS.

Biography

Title: The adverse effect of pre-swirl on ingestion in a downstream cavity

Abstract: Gas turbine designers demand accurate predictions of metal temperature to ensure acceptable operating life of components experiencing high thermal stress. Rotor-stator cavities ingest hot mainstream gas through rim seals when inadequately purged with relatively cool air bled off the compressor. Superfluous use of purge, and any associated windage increase, creates a parasitic loss in overall efficiency. Shear interaction caused by the difference in swirl between the purge and mainstream flow is a principal driver for ingestion; pre-swirled purge flow has the potential to alter the swirl gradient. This presentation presents the first assessment of purge conditioning in a downstream cavity using a new 1.5 stage facility that was designed and commissioned as part of my PhD

Cross Manufacturing

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Title: Sealing Solutions: Enabling High Performance in Next Generation Propulsion Systems

Abstract: The performance of complex technologies is governed by critical components. This is true for turbochargers as well as propulsion & power generation gas turbines, which are only as efficient as their sealing systems can allow. Cross Manufacturing’s work in product testing and development, materials research, and long-term partnership with IAAPS positions it to continue supporting the realisation of new technologies. Our manufacturing and R&D experts are adaptable and ready to support the multi-faceted solutions that are required to meet Net Zero targets.

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Title: An overview and example of non-contacting air-to-air shaft seals in gas turbines

Abstract: Sealing in gas turbines is vital for both efficiency and lifetime. Air-to-air shaft seals have historically worn quickly, needing high maintenance. Compliant, non-contacting seals offer a theoretically unlimited lifetime with similar performance to the seals of today. This presentation will overview the working principle of one such compliant non-contacting seal, and give a glimpse into some analysis that has been completed on it.

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PhD Topic: Context enhanced tracking algorithms for improved vision-based vehicle trajectory and intention analysis

Title: Scalable and Efficient Traffic Management

Abstract: This talk will discuss my work on improving the real-world performance and scalability of Multi-Object Tracking (MOT) systems for traffic monitoring. While many state-of-the-art trackers perform well in benchmarks, they often rely on heavy expensive hardware and ideal conditions, making them difficult to deploy across entire cities. My work explores how we can reduce this reliance by focusing on motion prediction and scene context—particularly through the use of road layout and driving rules.