Simulation of Unknown Motion

June 3rd, 2026 | by GEONATIVES

Posted On June 3, 2026

_{(3 min read)}

When it comes to assuring functionality of complex systems, minor causes may have major implications impacting credibility of simulation results. At GEONATIVES, we pay considerable attention to details in the domains of geodata processing and simulation. From our observations in real-world situations, we would like to postulate that SUMO become more realistic in how it resembles individual agents. We propose extending SUMO with the following modules:

Special Purpose InterChange Experience

The organization of (de-)boarding processes at bus, tram, and railroad stops is highly influenced by the vehicle configuration, i.e., different coach classes, missing sections, changed location, and functional state of access means.
We propose the modeling of defective doors, class-specific numbers of doors (e.g., ICE 3 vs ICE 3neo), assistance by staff for stuffing (see metro Tokyo), blocking passengers and the like.

• Input: Coach / train set configuration, door locations, stopping position, accessibility and malfunction information
• Output: Time for (de-)boarding, passenger numbers, casualties and collateral damage, levels of frustration and rage
• Benefits: More accurate simulation of changeovers and — for the example of stuffing assistance by human personnel — a hands-on feeling.

Martian Orientation and Regulation Directives

New planets, new rules! Using simulation is key to making sure that traffic jams will not be limited to a single planet only in our solar system. This module shall evolve from early stages addressing the management of rovers to later ones after initial human settlements have been established.
It shall also incorporate the other modules presented here and take into account specifics of alien life forms as they enter the hemisphere of human imperferction.

• Input: Name and topology of the planet, number and type of nations involved, level of decline achieved by human interaction
• Output: Size of the gap until the specified planet adopts earth-like chaos and it is time to look for the next one
• Benefits: The question whether it is worth investing in interstellar travel might finally be solved.

FREe Action Controller

Lane-independent driver models shall use free-space-only tactics to navigate through complex situations and to resemble real-life situations in crowded locations. This feature shall enable scooter-heavy traffic, vehicles moving against the legal driving direction, and the occasional holy cow blocking parts of the road and mandating detours. The sub-lane model shall be extended by vertical sub-sections to be-come a grid enabling the simulation of cross traffic in urban areas.

• Input: Bounding boxes of participating vehicles, social status, skill level and aggressiveness of drivers
• Output: Average speed, degree of road usage, location and speed vectors of vehicles
• Benefits: A realistic simulation of overcoming rules by good practice.

Embedded MOTIvation Or Negligence

An agent controller’s mental state shall be considered as well as the influence of other agents on its evolution. Traffic jams, waiting for an extended time at an intersection, missing or not being admitted to a train or a bus, trying to get to a meeting while traffic is moving slowly, are just examples of negative influences on driver behavior and resilience level. On the positive side, there shall also be “happy” agents (by means of personality or intoxication), taking it easy.

• Input: Starting state (how was the day so far?), length of the personal fuse, density of bullshit around the agent, overall resilience
• Output: Desired TTC (time to collision), volatility in throttle / brake / steering operation; TTR (time to rampage)
• Benefits: This module might help simulation prove that a re-laxed state of mind will get you to your goals faster.

Traffic Rules Under Moderate Pressure

Potent agents negotiate their way through traffic situations, making progress on a per-deal basis. Threatening other participants, blocking lanes, calling on friends for help, and bribing opponents shall lead to a quicker journey for the privileged ones among the players.
Immunity from consequences shall be directly linked to the total amount of bribes paid and the resources consumed during a journey.

• Input: Level of wealth and status, vehicle size, levels of moral and mental decline
• Output: Progress on planned journey, money spent, number of friends lost and followers gained
• Benefits: What works in real life should also work in simulation and teach the next generation that moral decline can achieve great goals. SUMO should consider simulating maritime routes.

Acknowledgement

This feature is GEONATIVES’ contribution for celebrating 25 years of SUMO.

If you want to read more about SUMO regarding data handling, different modes of transportation, abstraction of reality and contribution of the community check out our comprehensive talk with Jakob Erdmann, chief designer, developer, 1^st/2^nd/3^rd-level support of SUMO.