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.
ADS for Rural America
Visit our project website to learn more about this demonstration project that used an automated shuttle bus on Iowa roads.
News: Connected and automated vehicles
Robotaxis Aren’t Going Where They Are Needed Most
Thursday, September 3, 2026
Deputy Director Omar Ahmad is quoted in this Bloomberg article talking about the challenges, opportunities, and investment needed for driverless robotaxis in rural areas.
Patent awarded to improve crash avoidance braking time in electric vehicles
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
A new patent by University of Iowa researchers combines collision avoidance technology with regenerative braking systems used in electric vehicles to improve emergency braking response time.
How the University of Iowa is Advancing Driving Research to Improve Road Safety
Thursday, January 15, 2026
2025: A Year in Review
Monday, January 5, 2026
Look back at our accomplishments and research projects from the year 2025, including our research on driving impairment from alcohol and distraction, advanced driver assistance systems, advances in simulation tech, and more
2024: A Year in Review
Friday, December 20, 2024
The Driving Safety Research Institute works with students from across the country, and learn about their research on assessing driver monitoring systems, understanding of advanced driver assistance systems, connected simulation, and new features to miniSim in our 2024 Year in Review.
Univ. of Iowa researchers aim to expand transportation options in rural parts of the state
Monday, November 4, 2024
The University of Iowa recently completed a research project on a self-driving van. Specifically, it’s looking at how these automated vehicles could work in rural parts of the state.
Contact
Omar Ahmad
Title/Position
Deputy Director