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 used an automated shuttle bus on Iowa roads. 

News: Connected and automated vehicles

gravel road KCRG screenshot

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.
Omar Ahmad in front of the automated shuttle bus

‘We can not forget about rural America’: UI researchers working towards accessible transportation

Tuesday, October 29, 2024
The University of Iowa Driving Safety and Research Institute recently completed a research project to help rural America. The project hopes to combat challenges facing rural communities across Iowa and the nation.
Automated Transit on gravel road

Working to safely bring automated driving to rural roads

Thursday, October 17, 2024
Researchers at the Driving Safety Research Institute at the University of Iowa have completed more than three years of testing to learn the challenges automated vehicles encounter when operating on rural roads.
An aerial view of two women sitting in the front of a Volvo XC90 while using adaptive cruise control/

The ADAS experts

Monday, February 12, 2024
Our investigators have been working on a series of studies analyzing advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) technology and consumer understanding of ADAS features.
2023 Annual Report cover

2023: A Year in Review

Monday, January 1, 2024
Check out our recent highlights and accomplishments from the Driving Safety Research Institute, home of the National Advanced Driving Simulator.
ADS Webinar 5 screenshot

ADS Webinar #5 recording: 9 Things to Know When Testing AVs on Rural Roads

Tuesday, November 14, 2023
Watch the recording of our fifth webinar to learn about our top nine challenges and successes from testing a highly automated vehicle on rural Iowa roads, including driving under automation on gravel, in winter weather, using high speeds (65 mph), and more.

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.

Contact

Ahmad,Omar

Omar Ahmad

Title/Position
Deputy Director