The center incorporates three interwoven research thrusts that will progress synergistically:

• Thrust 1 (CAV Impacts ) investigates the impact of Connected and Autonomous Vehicle’s (CAV) on North Carolina's transportation system and associated revenue.
• Thrust 2 (CAV Infrastructure) assesses North Carolina’s readiness for CAVs in traditional and emerging transportation infrastructure.
• Thrust 3 (CAV Infrastructure) explores emerging applications of CAVs, and will develop and deploy CAVs and Unmanned Arial Vehicles (UAVs) for advancing transportation systems.