A few recent examples of our work with connected and automated vehicles (CAVs):

  • How do human interact with automated vehicle technologies, such as during transitions of control and measuring trust in the technology? 
  • How do automated vehicles perform on rural roadways? 
  • How can connected vehicles communicate with each other to improve safety in rural settings?

Project spotlight: ADS for Rural America

ADS for Rural America is funded by the U.S. DOT and aims to improve safety on our roadways, represent rural roads in AV research, and broaden mobility for those in rural areas. 

NADS research vehicles on rural road

ADS for Rural America

Visit our project website to learn more about this demonstration project that uses an automated shuttle bus, now on Iowa roads. 

News: Connected and automated vehicles

Webinar 3 screenshot

Recording available for webinar 3: Rider and safety driver experience

Friday, February 3, 2023
A recording is now available of our third webinar on our ADS for Rural America project, which included video interviews of past riders, results of rider surveys (including their anxiety levels and perceptions of the technology), as well as safety driver experience and perceptions.
Camry cab inside the NADS-1 simulator

Taking control in Level 3 Automation

Thursday, January 26, 2023
This article summarizes findings from two recent studies that our researchers have worked on with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) examining the various aspects of transition of control (TOC) between human drivers and periods of automated driving.
2022 NADS Annual Report cover

2022 Annual Report now available

Wednesday, December 28, 2022
Our 2022 annual report is here! We have spent the past year researching automated vehicles, traffic safety, drugged driving, and much more. Plus, read about our upcoming name change to "Driving Safety Research Institute" on page 3.
Inside NADS-1 simulator

NADS lands contract with NHTSA for automated vehicle research

Thursday, October 20, 2022
The University of Iowa National Advanced Driving Simulator (NADS) has secured a contract with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for a project that will look at roadway interactions between human-driven and automated vehicles.
Webinar 2 screenshot

Recording of Webinar 2: Vehicle Hardware and Software now available

Thursday, September 29, 2022
The recording is now available for webinar about our vehicle, including details on the installed hardware and integrated software system, along with some lessons learned and advice for others embarking on similar projects.
ADS for Rural America Shuttle Bus on Rural Road

On the Rural Road to Autonomy

Wednesday, September 21, 2022
Automated Driving System program looks to raise the bar for self-driving in the country.

Connected vehicle example

Blind corners and cresting hills can be dangerous spots on rural Iowa roads. In a project with the Iowa DOT, we tested an alert system that alerts drivers to hazards on the road before the driver may see them.